Description
Experience the warm embrace of fall with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, combining tangy Granny Smith apples, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery graham cracker crust, all drizzled with rich caramel. Each bite is a perfect blend of textures, from the crispy crust to the silky-smooth cheesecake and the tender, spiced apples. This dessert is like a cozy autumn day wrapped into a delicious bar. These bars are ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or just treating yourself at home. They offer a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and indulgent, making them a fantastic choice for anyone craving a fall-inspired sweet treat. Serve chilled with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Apple Layer:
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, then spread over the crust.
- Apple Layer: Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Streusel Topping: Mix flour and brown sugar, cut in cold butter until crumbly, and add pecans if desired. Sprinkle over apples.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until streusel is golden and cheesecake is set. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Caramel Sauce: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until dissolved. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until amber. Remove from heat, carefully whisk in cream (it will bubble), and add butter and salt until smooth. Cool slightly.
- Cut chilled bars into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes