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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - 2 cups apples, peeled and diced - ¼ cup brown sugar - 1 tsp cinnamon - ½ tsp nutmeg - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce The warm caramel apple cinnamon cheesecake bars start with a buttery crust. The crust holds the flavors in and gives a great base. I like to use graham cracker crumbs for a sweet and crunchy texture. Simply mix the crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press this mixture into your baking pan for a sturdy base. Next, I focus on the cheesecake layer. Cream cheese is the star here. It creates a rich and creamy layer. I beat it with sugar until smooth. Adding eggs one by one helps keep the mixture light. I also add vanilla and cinnamon for a warm flavor. The apple topping adds a fresh twist. I choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their sweet and tart taste. After peeling and dicing them, I mix them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Lemon juice brightens the flavor and keeps the apples from browning. Finally, no cheesecake is complete without caramel. You can use store-bought or make your own. Drizzling it on top right before serving makes these bars extra special. This mix of ingredients creates a delightful dessert that everyone will love. - Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). - Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. - In a bowl, combine 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup melted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar. - Mix until the crumbs look like wet sand. - Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool. - In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with ¾ cup granulated sugar until smooth. - Add 2 large eggs, mixing well after each one. Then stir in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 1 tsp ground cinnamon until combined. - In another bowl, mix 2 cups diced apples with ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, and 2 tbsp lemon juice. - Toss well to coat the apples in the sugar and spices. - Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. Press the apples in gently. - Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center may jiggle a bit. - Once done, cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. - Just before serving, drizzle the cooled bars with caramel sauce. This adds a sweet touch to each bite. To get that perfect cheesecake layer, start with room temperature ingredients. This helps your cream cheese mix smoothly. A smooth mixture is key to avoiding lumps in your cheesecake. When mixing, be gentle. Overmixing can cause cracks in your bars. Mix until just combined for the best texture. This simple tip makes a big difference. For great flavor, I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. These apples give a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake. When selecting apples, look for firm ones without bruises. The skin should be smooth and shiny. Fresh apples will add a crisp bite to your dessert. Presentation matters! Serve your cheesecake bars on a decorative plate. Dust with powdered sugar for a nice touch. A drizzle of caramel on top adds sweetness and flair. You can also sprinkle a bit of extra cinnamon for a pop of color. Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These sides enhance the flavors and make the dessert even more special. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of these bars in fun ways. Adding spices can make a big difference. Try using ginger or allspice for a warm taste. They add depth and a nice kick. You can also mix in nuts. Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If you love caramel, sprinkle some caramelized pecans on top. They bring a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs well with apples. To make the bars a bit healthier, swap in low-fat cream cheese. This keeps the creamy texture while cutting calories. You can also use whole grain graham crackers for the crust. They add fiber and a nutty flavor. These small changes can make your dessert a bit better for you while still tasting great. If you need gluten-free options, there are great alternatives. Look for gluten-free graham crackers at the store. They work just as well in the crust. You can also make your own crust using ground nuts or oats. Just make sure they are gluten-free. Adjusting the recipe is easy and still lets everyone enjoy these tasty cheesecake bars. To keep your Warm Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars fresh, store them in the refrigerator. Place the bars in an airtight container. This keeps them moist and tasty. They stay fresh for about 5 days. If you want to enjoy them longer, consider freezing them instead. Freezing these cheesecake bars is simple. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Next, place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, move the bars to the fridge overnight before serving. Enjoy them cold or warm! If you want your bars warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This warms them without drying them out. If you want to keep the caramel gooey, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top after reheating. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness that balances the sweet cheesecake. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp, adding a great texture and flavor. Both types hold up well during baking, making them perfect for these bars. Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars ahead of time. To prepare in advance, bake the bars and let them cool. Once they reach room temperature, cover them well and refrigerate. You can serve them the next day. This can save time if you plan for a special event. Making caramel sauce is easy! Here’s a simple recipe: - 1 cup granulated sugar - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter - ½ cup heavy cream 1. In a saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat. Stir constantly until it melts and turns golden brown. 2. Add the butter and stir until melted. 3. Slowly pour in the cream while stirring. Be careful, as it will bubble. 4. Remove from heat and let it cool before using. Cracks can happen if the cheesecake layer is overmixed or baked too long. To prevent cracks, mix the ingredients just until combined. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking. If cracks do appear, you can cover them with caramel sauce before serving. Yes, these bars can be enjoyed warm! I recommend letting them cool slightly after baking. Serve them warm with a drizzle of caramel on top. The warm bars will have a soft texture and rich flavor that feels cozy and inviting. This article covered all the key steps to make delicious cheesecake bars. We discussed the crust, cheesecake layer, and sweet apple topping. You learned how to add a caramel drizzle and tips for perfecting your dish. Additionally, we explored variations, storage, and common questions. You can create a tasty dessert that fits any preference. Enjoy making these cheesecake bars and share them with friends and family. They are sure to impress!

Warm Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the delightful treat of Warm Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars! This easy recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich cheesecake layer, topped with spiced apples and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet personal indulgence. Click through to uncover the full recipe and learn how to create these delicious dessert bars that will impress everyone at your next get-together!
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the apple topping:

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

2 tablespoons lemon juice

For the caramel drizzle:

Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal later.

    In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and resemble wet sand.

      Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

        While the crust is cooling, prepare the cheesecake layer. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

          Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon until well combined.

            Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.

              In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples in the sugar and spices.

                Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. Gently press the apples into the mixture to ensure they stick.

                  Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center may still have a slight jiggle but will firm up as it cools.

                    Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

                      Drizzle the cooled bars with caramel sauce just before serving for added sweetness.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 12 servings

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve on a decorative plate, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful finish.