Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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There’s something magical about the combination of caramel, apples, and cheesecake, don’t you think? These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together the comforting flavors of fall and decadently creamy cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat, these bars are bound to impress. I remember the first time I brought these to a potluck—everyone raved about them and I was asked for the recipe multiple times. Let’s dive into why you’ll want to add these scrumptious bars to your baking repertoire!

Why you’ll love this dish

You might wonder, what sets these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars apart from other desserts? For one, they are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the year, but they’re especially delightful in the fall when apples are at their peak. This recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike go gaga over the gooey caramel and velvety cheesecake.

"These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are an absolute winner! They vanished instantly at my last family gathering, and everyone begged for seconds. Can’t wait to make them again!" —Emily T.

Preparing Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Making these bars is a straightforward process that anyone can master. The best part? You get to enjoy the delightful aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Here’s a brief overview of how this delicious dessert comes together:

1. You start with a crumbly crust that gives the bars a sturdy base.
2. Next comes a luscious cheesecake layer that feels like a dreamy cloud.
3. Finally, a sweet apple topping is added, bringing in that crunchy texture and tart flavor.

Are you ready for the ingredients?

What you’ll need

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For this delicious dessert, gather the following items:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 apples)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• ½ cup quick oats
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup butter, softened
• Caramel topping for drizzling

Feel free to experiment with different types of apples or even substitute the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative if desired!

Step-by-step instructions

Let’s dive into how to prepare your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars:

Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
3. Cut in 1 cup of softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the 2 packages of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of granulated sugar.
2. Add the 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending well until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and spread evenly.

Apples:

1. In another bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
2. Layer the spiced apples over the cheesecake filling, distributing them evenly.

Topping:

1. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ cup of quick oats, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ cup of softened butter.
2. Mix until crumbly, and then sprinkle this mixture over the apple layer.
3. Bake for another 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden.

Drizzle with caramel topping once cooled, and prepare for the compliments that are sure to follow!

Best ways to enjoy it

Now that your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are ready, how do you serve them for maximum enjoyment? A warm slice topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for an indulgent dessert. Pair it with a cup of steaming spiced cider or coffee to elevate the experience. You could even sprinkle a few chopped nuts for an added crunch. The layers create a beautiful presentation, so don’t hesitate to showcase those appealing swirls of caramel!

Keeping leftovers fresh

Wondering how to store these sweet treats? To keep your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars fresh, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 4–5 days; I dare say they might even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together!

If you want to extend their life, you can freeze them. Simply cut the bars into servings, parchment paper between layers, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last for about 2-3 months frozen.

Extra advice

Here’s a tip to ensure your bars are a total hit: let the cream cheese come to room temperature before whipping it up. This step helps you achieve that perfectly smooth texture without lumps. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in some caramel chunks or using a different nut in the topping for a twist!

Recipe variations

Have fun with your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars by incorporating different flavors! Consider using different apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter bite. You could also mix in some chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for added texture. If you’re feeling festive, why not throw in some dried cranberries or pear for a bit of seasonal flair? The possibilities are endless!

Your questions answered

Here are some common questions I often receive about this recipe:

1. What is the prep time for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?
Prep time takes about 20 minutes, with an additional baking time of 50–60 minutes, so plan ahead!

2. Can I replace cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative?
Absolutely! There are several plant-based cream cheeses on the market that would work well in this recipe.

3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The edges should be lightly set and golden brown, while the center may still be a little jiggly—it will firm up as it cools!

Now you’re all set to bake these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars that are sure to make your taste buds sing. Enjoy the sweet journey!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the comforting flavors of fall with a creamy cheesecake, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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For the crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup butter, softened

For the cheesecake filling

• 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 oz each)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the apple topping

• 4 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 4 apples)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
• ½ cup quick oats
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ cup butter, softened

For drizzling

• 1 cup caramel topping for drizzling

Method

 

Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
3. Cut in 1 cup of softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.
4. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden.

Cheesecake Filling

1. In a mixing bowl, beat together the 2 packages of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of granulated sugar.
2. Add the 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, blending well until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and spread evenly.

Apples

1. In another bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
2. Layer the spiced apples over the cheesecake filling, distributing them evenly.

Topping

1. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of light brown sugar, ½ cup of quick oats, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ cup of softened butter.
2. Mix until crumbly, and then sprinkle this mixture over the apple layer.
3. Bake for another 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden.

Finishing Touch

1. Drizzle with caramel topping once cooled, and prepare for the compliments that are sure to follow!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 15g

Notes

To keep your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars fresh, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place them in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 4–5 days; they may taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you want to extend their life, you can freeze them for 2-3 months.

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