Delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars topped with caramel drizzle and apple slices

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

ByAchraf

Why Make This Recipe

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tart flavor of apples. Topped with a luscious caramel drizzle, these bars are perfect for dessert lovers and will impress your family and friends. They are easy to make and are great for sharing at gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet surprise for someone’s special occasion.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
  2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Fold in the diced apples and cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture.
  5. Pour the mixture over the crust in the baking dish and spread evenly.
  6. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake mixture.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned.
  8. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
  9. Serve chilled and drizzle with additional caramel if desired.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake bars are best served cold. You can cut them into squares and arrange them on a platter. Adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving can make them even more tempting. They pair well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you need to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and they will last for about 2 months in the freezer.

Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

  • Make sure your cream cheese is softened before you start to ensure a smooth batter.
  • Use fresh apples for the best flavor, and consider choosing a mix of sweet and tart varieties.
  • You can adjust the amount of caramel sauce based on your preference for sweetness.
  • For an extra touch, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for added crunch.

Variation

If you want to try a different flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for added texture. You can also use other fruits like pears or peaches instead of apples for a different twist.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works great and saves time.

How can I tell if the cheesecake bars are done?
The edges should be lightly browned, and the center should be set but slightly jiggly.

Can I add spices to the bars?
Yes! You can experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for extra flavor.