Why Make This Recipe
If you’re a fan of apple pie and cheesecake, then what if I told you there’s a dreamy combo of both? That’s right—Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are here to make your taste buds dance! 🎉 These treats are not only delicious but also super simple to whip up. Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or just when you need a little something sweet.
Plus, who can resist that rich, creamy cheesecake layered with soft apples and topped off with caramel? I mean, come on, that’s practically a hug in dessert form!
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Alright, let’s get down to business. Making these bars is as easy as pie—well, cheesecake pie, but you get the point. Just follow these steps, and you’ll impress everyone with your baking skills (even if we know it’s really just a creative mix of stuff).
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Get the place warmed up so you don’t have to wait forever for dessert.
- Prepare your baking pan by lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. Trust me, you’ll want this to avoid a sticky situation later.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these heavenly bars:
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Layer:
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Directions
Let’s bake these beauties step by step!
Make the crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon until it’s all combined. Press that mixture into the bottom of your lined pan.
Prepare the cheesecake layer: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then toss in the vanilla. Spread this creamy goodness over your crust.
Make the apple layer: In a bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Layer this mix over the cheesecake.
Create the streusel topping: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. If you’re feelin’ nutty, add the pecans! Sprinkle this topping over the apples.
Bake the bars: Pop these in the oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Let it cool before you dive in (it’s hard, I know).
Make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat until it turns a lovely amber color. Remove from heat, carefully pour in the heavy cream and stir in butter and salt. Boom—caramel sauce!
Serve: Drizzle that caramel sauce over the cooled bars before cutting into squares. Seriously, you’re going to want a napkin for this.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Cut these luscious bars into squares and serve them warm, drizzled with the homemade caramel sauce. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat (because why not?). You can also serve them at room temperature. The options are endless, so go wild! 😋
How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap them well or they’ll suffer from freezer burn—yuck!
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor.
- Make sure your apples are fresh and crisp for the best texture.
- Adjust the level of cinnamon and nutmeg to your taste. Spice it up, or keep it mild—your call!
- Drizzle hot caramel sauce just before serving for that ooey-gooey effect.
Variation
Want to mix things up? Try using other apple varieties or swapping in nut butters for a unique twist. Or, how about adding chocolate chips to the cheesecake layer? Go ahead, let your creativity run wild!
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare them a day in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I use other types of nuts?
Definitely! If pecans aren’t your jam, almonds or walnuts can work just as well.
What can I use if I don’t have graham crackers?
Try using crushed cookies, like Oreo or digestive biscuits, as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
So, are you ready to bake some dreamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars? Your friends will be begging for the recipe! 🎂
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until combined.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of the lined pan.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over your crust.
- In a bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Layer this apple mixture over the cheesecake.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
- If using, add the chopped pecans and sprinkle the topping over the apples.
- Bake the bars for about 45-50 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set.
- Let it cool before serving.
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat until it turns amber.
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in the heavy cream, butter, and salt.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cooled bars before cutting into squares.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.