Description
Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake layer topped with a spiced apple topping. These bars are baked to perfection, creating a comforting dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet and tangy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Topping
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare Pan & Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended.
- Bake Crust: Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake this crust for 8 to 10 minutes until set, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Ensure cream cheese, sugar, and eggs are at room temperature for best mixing. In a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and fluffy.
- Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually add ½ cup granulated sugar to the cream cheese while beating until creamy and well combined, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until each egg is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling carefully over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly to the edges with a spatula.
- Prepare Apple Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the diced 3 medium Granny Smith apples with 2 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ cup all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly until the apples are well coated.
- Add Apple Topping: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, spreading gently to cover the surface.
- Bake Bars: Bake the assembled bars in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble when gently shaken.
- Cool & Chill: Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack for 1 to 2 hours. Then loosely cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
- Slice & Serve: Using the parchment overhang, lift the entire slab from the pan onto a cutting board. Cut into bars with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Notes
- Make sure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to ensure a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture, which hold up well during baking.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake batter after adding eggs to avoid cracks and dense texture.
- Chilling the bars overnight helps improve texture and flavor development.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slices.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple cheesecake bars, dessert bars, fall dessert, baked cheesecake bars, holiday dessert
