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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - ½ cup walnuts, chopped (optional) To make these caramel apple cheesecake bars, you will need simple yet key ingredients. The graham cracker crumbs form a tasty crust. You will melt butter to mix with the crumbs. Use cream cheese to make the filling rich and creamy. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while eggs help set the cheesecake. Don't forget the vanilla extract for flavor. For the apple filling, choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They add a nice tartness. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth to the dish. The caramel sauce gives a sweet touch, and walnuts add a nice crunch if you choose to include them. Each ingredient plays a big role in creating a sweet and creamy treat that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step is key for a good bake. 2. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated. 3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a lined 9x13 inch baking pan. This will form your crust. 4. Bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes. It should look lightly golden. Remove it and let it cool slightly. 1. In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes smooth. 2. Next, add 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg until fully combined. 3. Now add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Stir until mixed. 4. Gently fold in 2 cups of diced apples. If you like, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts for extra texture. 1. Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. 2. Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the top. Use a knife to swirl it into the cheesecake for a marbled look. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. The edges should be golden, and the center should be set. 4. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature. Then, transfer them to the fridge to chill for at least 3 hours. 5. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares and drizzle with more caramel before serving. To get smooth, creamy cheesecake bars, I have some key tips for you. - Preventing Cracks: Always mix the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Over-mixing can add too much air, causing cracks. Bake at a lower temperature, like 325°F, to help keep the bars moist. - Ensuring Even Baking: Place your baking pan in the center of the oven. This helps heat circulate evenly. If you can, use an oven thermometer to make sure of the right temperature. - How to Tell When Bars Are Ready: Look for a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. The edges should be firm and lightly golden. Now, let’s make those bars shine when you serve them! - Presentation Tips: Use a nice platter. Place the bars in neat rows. Add fresh apple slices and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top for extra flair. A drizzle of caramel adds a delicious touch. - Pairing with Beverages: Serve these bars with a warm cup of spiced cider or a sweet dessert wine. The flavors will blend beautifully. - Ideal Garnishes: A dollop of whipped cream on the side works wonders. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature. This will help create a smoother, more homogeneous batter without lumps. Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel. Honeycrisp apples are also a great choice for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness. Swirl the Caramel Effectively: When swirling the caramel into the cheesecake mixture, use a gentle hand to avoid overmixing. This will create a beautiful marbled effect while keeping the caramel distinct. Chill for Best Results: Allowing the cheesecake bars to chill thoroughly in the refrigerator not only helps them set properly but also enhances the flavors, making each bite more delicious. {{image_4}} You can change the flavors of your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in fun ways. - Alternative fruits: Try pears or peaches for a twist. These fruits add a different sweetness and texture. - Different nut options: Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds. Each nut gives a unique crunch and taste. - Using flavored caramel or chocolate: Experiment with salted caramel or dark chocolate. These flavors can add depth to your dessert. You can also make these bars fit your diet. - Gluten-free options for crust: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. This makes the crust safe for those with gluten issues. - Dairy alternatives for filling: Replace cream cheese with cashew or coconut cream. These options still create a creamy filling. - Low-sugar variations: Use sugar substitutes or applesauce. It helps cut down the sugar while keeping the taste. Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Your bars can be unique to your taste and needs! To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, store them properly. First, let the bars cool completely after baking. Then, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture out. If you want to save them for later, you can freeze them. Cut them into squares before freezing for easy serving. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. In the fridge, these bars last about five to seven days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see any mold, or if they smell off, it's time to toss them. If you store them in the freezer, they can last up to three months. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before serving. This helps keep their texture nice and creamy. Can I use other types of apples? Yes, you can use other apples. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples work well. They add sweetness and a nice crunch. Just make sure they are firm. This keeps your cheesecake bars from getting mushy. How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy? To keep the crust firm, bake it before adding the filling. Bake for 10 minutes at 325°F. This helps set the crust. Make sure to let it cool slightly before adding the cheesecake mix. Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time? Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead. Just bake and chill them as per the recipe. They taste even better after sitting in the fridge. What if I don’t have graham cracker crumbs? If you lack graham cracker crumbs, you have options! Use crushed cookies like Oreos or vanilla wafers. You can even use crushed pretzels for a salty twist. Just mix them with melted butter as you would with graham crackers. You’ve learned how to make delicious cheesecake bars from scratch. The ingredients are simple, like graham crackers, cream cheese, and apples. I shared how to prepare the crust and filling, plus tips to bake them perfectly. Consider variations for different flavors and dietary needs too. Store your bars well and enjoy them fresh. Remember, these treats are fun to make and great to share. Now, gather your ingredients and start baking! Enjoy every bite of your creation.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a caramel and apple twist, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cups caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 0.5 cups walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some excess paper to hang over the edges for easy lifting later.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are uniformly coated. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the lined baking pan to create a solid crust. Place it in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, then carefully take it out and let it cool slightly.
  • Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps remaining.
  • Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated. Then add the pure vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg, stirring until just combined.
  • Fold in the diced apples gently, along with the optional chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Pour the creamy cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust in the baking pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula for a level surface.
  • Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake mixture. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the caramel lightly into the cheesecake for a marbled effect.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the center appears set and the edges are a light golden brown.
  • Once baked, allow the cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or until completely firm.
  • After chilling, carefully lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares or rectangles. Just before serving, drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top for a delicious finish.

Notes

Arrange the cheesecake bars on an elegant platter, garnishing with additional apple slices and a sprinkle of chopped walnuts for a touch of sophistication. An extra drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the visual appeal and enhance the flavor experience.
Keyword apple, bars, caramel, cheesecake, dessert