Indulge in Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe Delight

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by Hannah Reed

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There’s something magical about the combination of caramel, apples, and cheesecake that can make even the grumpiest cat crack a smile. Imagine biting into a luscious slice of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, where creamy cheesecake meets the sweet, sticky goodness of caramel and the tartness of fresh apples. It’s like autumn in dessert form, and I assure you that your taste buds are in for a delightful treat. For more inspiration, check out this Magic Pecan Cheesecake Bars recipe.

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These bars are not just any dessert; they’re a slice of happiness that brings back warm memories of family gatherings and cozy nights. Perfect for fall festivities or simply to impress your friends at a potluck, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars will have everyone begging for seconds. So grab your apron and prepare yourself for an unforgettable flavor experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The ease of preparation means you can whip these up quickly without breaking a sweat.
  • The balance of flavors creates a delightful explosion with every bite.
  • Visually stunning with their golden caramel drizzle, they’re perfect for impressing guests.
  • Versatile enough to be served at any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinners.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Crushed Graham Crackers: About two cups will create the buttery crust that holds everything together beautifully.
  • Unsalted Butter: Melted butter binds the crust and adds richness; using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness.
  • Granulated Sugar: A half cup sweetens both the crust and cheesecake filling; it’s essential for balancing flavors.
  • Softened Cream Cheese: You’ll need about 16 ounces for that creamy texture; let it come to room temperature before mixing.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess to the filling while keeping it smooth—about a cup should do!
  • Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates flavor; opt for pure vanilla extract if possible.
  • Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together and add fluffiness to your cheesecake layer.

For the Topping:

  • Sliced Apples: Use tart varieties like Granny Smith for a delightful contrast with sweetness—about two cups should suffice.
  • Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon enhances the apple flavor and adds warmth; it’s like a hug in spice form.
  • Caramel Sauce: Store-bought or homemade—this gooey goodness is essential for drizzling over your bars.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and half a cup of sugar until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan.

Step 3: Blend the Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time while mixing until combined. Pour this creamy goodness onto your graham cracker crust.

Step 4: Add Apples and Cinnamon

Toss sliced apples with cinnamon in a separate bowl. Gently place them on top of the cheesecake filling, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake Away

Pop your pan into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Allow it to cool completely at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least two hours.

Step 6: Drizzle with Caramel

Once chilled and set, lift out your bars using parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and drizzle generously with caramel sauce before serving them up on pretty plates.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch!

You Must Know

  • These caramel apple cheesecake bars are not just a delicious dessert; they combine the best of both worlds.
  • Imagine creamy cheesecake with a caramel drizzle, all nestled on a buttery crust.
  • Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, this recipe will have you swooning!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by preparing the crust while your oven preheats. Once the crust is golden, mix your cheesecake filling, pour it over the crust, and finally layer the caramel and apples. This sequence ensures a perfectly baked and deliciously creamy outcome.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter bite. You can also add chopped nuts for crunch or use flavored extracts like cinnamon for an extra kick in your caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe. upside down cake with peaches delicious peach crisp recipe. classic peach pie recipe mini peach tarts recipe.

Storing & Reheating

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For reheating, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to restore that creamy texture without losing flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • To achieve the perfect consistency, let your cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
  • Avoid overmixing your batter to prevent cracks.
  • And finally, let them cool completely before cutting for clean slices.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my cousin’s birthday party where I first made these caramel apple cheesecake bars. Everyone devoured them so quickly that I barely got a taste!

FAQs :

What makes the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe special?

The Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the delightful flavors of caramel and apples. This fusion results in a dessert that is both decadent and comforting. Each bite offers a blend of textures from the creamy cheesecake filling, a buttery crust, and a sweet caramel drizzle. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress guests with a unique treat. For more inspiration, check out this Baked Apples with Feta recipe.

How long does it take to make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

Preparing the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe typically takes about 30 minutes for the prep work, followed by 45 to 50 minutes of baking time. After baking, it’s essential to allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, which can take an additional hour or two. In total, you should plan for around 3 hours to fully enjoy these delicious bars, including cooling time.

Can I use store-bought ingredients in the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe?

Yes! For convenience, you can definitely use store-bought ingredients for your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Pre-made graham cracker crusts save time on preparation. Additionally, using canned pie filling instead of fresh apples works well if you’re short on time or want to simplify the process. However, homemade components often provide better flavor and texture.

How should I store leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

To store leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars effectively, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will remain fresh for up to five days when stored properly. If you’d like to keep them longer, you can freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.

Conclusion for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe :

In conclusion, the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe delivers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dessert is accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Remember to allow adequate cooling time for the best results. Whether serving at gatherings or enjoying as a cozy treat at home, these bars are sure to satisfy sweet cravings and leave lasting impressions.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars


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  • Author: Hannah Reed
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: Makes about 12 servings 1x

Description

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate autumn dessert, combining velvety cheesecake with the sweet-tart crunch of fresh apples and a rich caramel drizzle. These bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust that perfectly supports the creamy filling, making them an irresistible treat for family gatherings or cozy nights at home. With each bite, you’ll experience a delightful blend of flavors that capture the essence of fall.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 16 oz softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups sliced Granny Smith apples
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing well after each addition. Pour this mixture over the crust.
  4. Toss sliced apples with cinnamon and layer them over the cheesecake filling.
  5. Bake for 45-50 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool completely before refrigerating for two hours.
  6. Once chilled, lift out using parchment overhang. Cut into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 240
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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