Name: Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-491731H44M13S
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ tsp cinnamon; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional); 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel); ¼ cup water (for caramel); ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel); ¼ tsp salt (for caramel)

Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and crunchy streusel for the perfect autumn dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
¼ cup water (for caramel)
½ cup heavy cream (for caramel)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel)
¼ tsp salt (for caramel)

Instructions

To create a sturdy base for your cheesecake bars, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the lined 9×13 pan, ensuring it is spread evenly across the bottom. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
While the crust is baking, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Once combined, pour this rich mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Peel and dice the Granny Smith apples, then toss them in a bowl with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the flour and brown sugar. Cut the cold, cubed butter into this mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple layer.
Bake the assembled pan in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake is set. Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.

Notes

Allow ample cooling time before cutting for the best texture.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Sodium: 150 mg
Protein: 6 g