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To make caramel apple cheesecake bars, you need a mix of tasty ingredients. Here is what you need: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 large eggs - 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and diced - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg - ½ cup caramel sauce Each ingredient plays a key role. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy base. The melted butter holds it all together. Cream cheese gives the bars their rich and creamy texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Eggs help bind everything, ensuring a smooth mixture. Fresh apples bring a burst of flavor and crunch. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and spice, making each bite feel cozy. Finally, a drizzle of caramel sauce tops it off, giving a sweet finish. Choose the best apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add a nice tartness that complements the sweetness of the cheesecake. With these ingredients, you will create a delightful treat that is sure to impress. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bars bake evenly. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to remove the bars later. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup of melted butter. Mix well until all crumbs are coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan. This creates a nice, even crust. Bake it for 10 minutes. After baking, let it cool slightly. In another large bowl, beat 2 cups of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the mixture is fluffy. Then, add 2 large eggs one by one. Make sure to mix well after each egg. The goal is a creamy, lump-free filling. Next, fold in 2 cups of peeled and diced apples. You can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix until all ingredients are evenly spread throughout the filling. Now, pour the cheesecake mixture over your cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly. This helps the bars bake nicely. Take ½ cup of caramel sauce and drizzle it over the top of the filling. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control. To create a marbled look, use a toothpick or a knife to swirl the caramel into the cheesecake. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center will have a slight jiggle. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. After that, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This helps the bars set properly. After chilling, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares or rectangles. If you like, drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top for added sweetness. Enjoy your delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars! For the best flavor, choose apples that are crisp and tart. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith apples add a nice zing, while Honeycrisp apples bring sweetness. Both types hold their shape well when baked, which keeps your bars from becoming mushy. To make your cheesecake bars smooth and creamy, start with softened cream cheese. This helps blend the mixture without lumps. Beat the cream cheese until smooth before adding sugar and eggs. Mix each egg in well before adding the next. Folding in the apples gently keeps them intact, which adds a great texture to each bite. For a beautiful presentation, slice the bars into small squares. Serve each bar on a plate with a drizzle of caramel. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a nice touch. You can also add a slice of apple on the side for color and flair. This will impress your guests and make the bars even more inviting. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake. Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature for a smoother filling without lumps. Cool Before Chilling: Let the cheesecake cool at room temperature to prevent condensation in the fridge, which can make the bars soggy. Swirl for Presentation: Use a toothpick to create beautiful swirls with the caramel; this adds visual appeal and enhances flavor distribution. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor of these cheesecake bars by adding different ingredients. Try mixing in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. You can also add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. For a fun surprise, fold in some caramel bits with the apples. This makes every bite extra special. If you need a gluten-free version, swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free crumbs. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Make sure to check that your caramel sauce is gluten-free, too. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bars. To make these bars vegan, use a vegan cream cheese. There are many brands that work well. Instead of eggs, you can use flax eggs or applesauce. Just mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water for each egg. This change keeps the bars creamy and delicious without any animal products. To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze these bars, first, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. For the best taste, serve the bars chilled. You can reheat them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer them warm. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful touch. Enjoy! Caramel apple cheesecake bars last about 5 days when stored in the fridge. To keep them fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them! Yes, you can use other fruits! Pears, peaches, or berries can add a fun twist. Just make sure to adjust the spices to match the fruit's flavor. For example, peaches might pair well with a bit of ginger. The key is to keep the fruit fresh and diced small for even distribution. Absolutely! You can make these bars a day in advance. Just prepare them fully and chill them in the fridge. They will taste even better after sitting overnight. This option is great for parties or gatherings, as it saves you time on the day of the event. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, use ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt. Both options give a creamy texture. You can also try vegan cream cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version. Just ensure that you adjust the sweetness if needed. This blog post covered how to create delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars. We explored the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for a perfect treat. I shared variations and storage methods to keep your bars fresh. By following these steps, you can enjoy these tasty bars with friends or family. Remember, experimenting with flavors and fruits makes it fun! Enjoy your baking adventure and savor each bite.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a caramel and apple twist, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 55 minutes
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
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 0.5 cups caramel sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
  • In another large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract; continue to beat until fluffy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure there are no lumps and the mixture is creamy.
  • Fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the cheesecake filling until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
  • Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the filling using a spoon or a piping bag for more precision. Use a toothpick or a knife to swirl the caramel into the cheesecake layer for a marbled effect.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
  • Once chilled, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares or rectangles. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top if desired.

Notes

Serve each bar on a plate with a drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flair. A slice of apple on the side can also enhance the visual appeal.
Keyword apple, bars, caramel, cheesecake