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To make these delightful bars, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened at room temperature - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling over the bars) These ingredients blend to create a creamy filling and a crunchy crust. You can elevate your bars with these tasty options: - Extra caramel sauce for drizzling - A sprinkle of cinnamon on top - Thinly sliced apple pieces for garnish - Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch These additions make your dessert not just tasty but also visually appealing. If you need to make swaps, here are some ideas: - For graham crackers, use crushed cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits. - Swap cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor. - Use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetener. - Try different apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter taste. These substitutes can help you customize the recipe to your liking and pantry needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step ensures even baking. Next, grab an 8x8 inch baking pan. Line it with parchment paper, letting some overhang. This helps with lifting the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Stir until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Make sure it's even and compact. In a large bowl, beat together 2 packages of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar. Use an electric mixer for a smooth texture. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and mix well. Next, crack in 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix gently after each addition. Don’t overmix! This keeps the cheesecake light. Now, fold in 2 cups of diced Granny Smith apples, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Use a spatula to mix these in evenly. Pour the cheesecake filling over your pre-baked crust. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes. The center should be set, and the edges lightly golden. Once done, cool the bars to room temperature in the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For best results, chill overnight. When ready, lift the bars out using the parchment. Cut into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. To get the best texture, start with room-temperature cream cheese. This helps mix it smoothly. Mix gently after adding eggs. Overmixing can make the cheesecake dense. You want it light and fluffy. These bars serve well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream pairs nicely with the warm caramel. Serve with fresh apple slices for a crunchy bite. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a sweet touch. Arrange the bars on a pretty plate. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a nice look. For a fancy touch, add thin apple slices next to each bar. A drizzle of caramel on top makes them truly shine. Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh Granny Smith apples that are crisp and tart. Don’t Overmix: When incorporating the eggs, mix just until combined to keep the cheesecake light and fluffy. Chill Time Matters: Allowing the bars to chill overnight enhances the flavor and allows the cheesecake to firm up perfectly. Extra Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle additional caramel sauce right before serving for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal. {{image_4}} You can mix things up with different fruits. Instead of Granny Smith apples, try using pears or peaches. Both add a sweet twist. For a berry flavor, mix in blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add a pop of color and taste. They pair well with the creamy cheesecake filling. Want a new flavor? Add some zest! Try lemon or orange zest for a fresh touch. You could also swap in almond extract instead of vanilla. This gives the bars a unique flavor. For a deeper taste, consider adding melted chocolate. Just stir it into the filling for a rich twist. No oven? No problem! You can make a no-bake version. Start with the crust as before. Then, mix cream cheese with sugar and vanilla. Instead of baking, chill the bars in the fridge. Let them set for at least four hours. Drizzle with caramel before serving. This way, you still enjoy that rich, creamy flavor without the heat. To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, follow these easy tips: - Cool Completely: Let the bars cool to room temperature first. - Cover Well: Use plastic wrap or foil. This prevents drying out. - Fridge Storage: Place in the fridge for up to five days. Freezing is a great way to save extra bars: - Cut into Bars: Slice the cheesecake into pieces. - Wrap Individually: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. - Use Airtight Containers: Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe container. - Freeze for Up to Three Months: They will taste great even after freezing! Enjoying your bars warm adds a nice touch: - Thaw First: Move bars from the freezer to the fridge overnight. - Warm in Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). - Heat for 10-15 Minutes: This will soften them without cooking further. - Serve with Extra Caramel: Drizzle some caramel sauce for a warm treat! Yes, you can use other apples. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well too. These apples add sweetness and crunch. Try to avoid soft apples like Red Delicious, as they can turn mushy. The bars are done when the edges are golden and the center is set. A slight jiggle in the middle is okay. Avoid overbaking to keep them creamy. Absolutely! These bars taste even better after chilling overnight. Just store them in the fridge. This way, the flavors blend nicely. Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese are great substitutes. They give a different taste but keep the texture creamy. Use these if you want a lighter option. Homemade caramel sauce is richer and creamier. However, store-bought is quick and easy. Use what you have time for. Both will taste great on your bars. In this post, we explored how to make delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfect texture. I shared storage tips and answered common questions. These bars are easy to customize, so feel free to get creative with flavors. Whether you enjoy them fresh or frozen, you’ll love serving these sweet treats. Enjoy making a dessert that is sure to impress!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a caramel apple twist, perfect for dessert lovers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling over the bars)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, allowing some edges to overhang for easy lifting after baking.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and the melted butter. Mix until all the crumbs are well coated and resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create a solid crust.
  • Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while preparing the filling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
  • Crack the eggs into the bowl one at a time, mixing gently until just combined after each addition. It’s essential to avoid overmixing at this stage to keep the cheesecake light and fluffy.
  • Gently fold the diced apples, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg into the cheesecake batter using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top if necessary. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set in the center and the edges are lightly golden.
  • Allow the cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature in the pan. Once cooled, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up.
  • When ready to serve, gently lift the chilled cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into even bars and generously drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

For an elegant garnish, add thinly sliced apple pieces alongside each bar and drizzle with caramel.
Keyword apple, bars, caramel, cheesecake