Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of sweet caramel and tart apples, especially when wrapped in the creamy embrace of cheesecake. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars have become a cherished indulgence in my home, often making an appearance during family gatherings and cozy autumn evenings. I remember the first time I pulled a batch from the oven; the irresistible aroma filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in. Friends and family couldn’t help but gather around, eagerly awaiting their chance to taste these delightful treats. Each bite is a perfect balance of flavors, with the crunchy graham cracker crust providing a delicious foundation for the smooth cheesecake and tender apples. If you want to impress your guests or simply treat yourself, these bars will not disappoint.

What You Need for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for any recipe, and these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are no exception. Each component plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key players here are the fresh apples, which provide a lovely tartness, and the cream cheese, which gives the bars their creamy, dreamy texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

• 9 sheets graham crackers – These form the base of our cheesecake bars, providing a crunchy and sweet foundation.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Adds a hint of molasses flavor to the crust, enhancing its sweetness.
• ¼ cup butter, salted, melted – Brings richness and helps bind the graham cracker crust together.
• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened – The star of our filling, ensuring a rich and creamy texture.
• ½ cup sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake while balancing the tartness from the apples.
• 2 eggs, slightly beaten – Provides structure to the cheesecake, helping it set properly.
• ¼ cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and creaminess, making the filling even more decadent.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
• 1 apple, diced small – The fresh apple adds texture and a burst of flavor.
• ¼ cup sugar – Used for the apple filling, it helps to caramelize the apples as they bake.
• 2 tablespoons flour – Helps to thicken the apple filling and absorb excess moisture.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, perfectly complementing the apples.
• ¼ cup brown sugar – For additional sweetness in the apple topping, enhancing caramelization.
• ¼ cup flour – Used in the crumble topping to achieve a delightful texture.
• ¼ cup rolled oats – Provides a chewy texture in the crumble, adding depth to the bars.
• 3 tablespoons butter, salted, melted – Binds the crumble topping and adds richness.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Used to flavor the crumble topping, adding complexity.
• ½ cup caramel sauce – Drizzled over the bars before serving, it adds a final touch of sweetness.

Cooking Instructions for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Let’s dive into the cooking process for these scrumptious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. It’s a straightforward journey that will take you through creating a delicious crust, filling, and topping. Follow these steps closely for the best results!

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. This step ensures that your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars will bake evenly.

2. Line an 8×8 square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This will help you easily lift the bars out after baking.

3. Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs. You want a sandy texture.

4. Add the graham cracker crumbs to a large mixing bowl. Then, combine them with the brown sugar and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed and the crumbs are moist.

5. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s even and packed tightly. This will create a solid base for your bars.

6. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Then, let it cool for at least 5 minutes.

7. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to be creamy and free of lumps.

8. Add the sugar and mix until fully combined. It should be smoothly incorporated into the cream cheese.

9. Incorporate the lightly beaten eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.

10. Next, add the sour cream and vanilla, whipping until everything is well blended and smooth.

11. In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until the oats are no longer dry. This is your crumble topping.

12. Peel the apple and dice it into very small pieces, about 1/4 inch cubes. This will help them distribute nicely in the bars.

13. Add the diced apples to a bowl, along with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until the apples are all coated.

14. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a silicone spatula.

15. Top with the apple mixture, spreading it evenly across the cheesecake layer.

16. Use a chopstick or butter knife to swirl the apples into the cheesecake slightly for an even distribution.

17. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple layer evenly.

18. Bake the cheesecake bars in the oven at 325°F for 65 to 70 minutes. You want most of the moisture to be gone from the center.

19. Once baked, let them cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.

20. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of indulgence!

Helpful Hints

Here are some tips that can help you create the best Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these hints will ensure success.

• Storage: Keep any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to a month. Make sure to wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
• Pairing: These bars pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Serving: For presentation, consider drizzling additional caramel sauce on top just before serving.
• Variations: Try adding nuts in the crumble topping for an extra crunch, or mix in different fruits for a twist.

What to Serve Alongside Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

When it comes to enjoying these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, the options for pairing are endless. Here are some delightful ideas:

• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs beautifully with the bars, creating a delightful contrast in temperature.
• Drizzle Extra Caramel: A drizzle of caramel sauce on top enhances the flavor and adds an elegant touch.
• Accompany with Coffee: These bars make a fantastic afternoon treat alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea.
• Perfect for Potlucks: Bring these bars to parties or potlucks; they’re sure to be a hit and spark conversations!
• Fall Gatherings: With their seasonal flavors, these bars are a great addition to any autumn gathering or holiday meal, making them versatile for various occasions.
• Picnic Treat: They hold up well, making them an excellent choice for outdoor picnics or barbecues.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and slightly tart flavors that come together beautifully. They make for a lovely dessert that is sure to impress family and friends. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s simple yet rewarding. You’ll find that each bite is a delightful experience, and soon, these bars may become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

The ultimate comfort food, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are creamy, crispy, and absolutely easy to make. With layers of rich cheesecake and tart apples topped with luscious caramel, they are a indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. You'll want to make these tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 13 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 58 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 9 sheets Graham crackers about 1 cup of crumbs
• 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
• ¼ cup Butter, salted, melted
• 16 ounces Cream cheese softened, 2 blocks
• ½ cup Sugar
• 2 eggs Eggs slightly beaten
• ¼ cup Sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
• 1 apple Apple diced small in 1/4 inch cubes
• ¼ cup Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Flour
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
• ¼ cup Brown sugar
• ¼ cup Flour
• ¼ cup Rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons Butter, salted, melted
• ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
• ½ cup Caramel sauce

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Peeler
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8×8 square pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This will help you easily lift the bars out after baking.
2. Place the graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs. You want a sandy texture.
3. Add the graham cracker crumbs to a large mixing bowl. Then, combine them with the brown sugar and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed and the crumbs are moist.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s even and packed tightly. This will create a solid base for your bars.
5. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. Then, let it cool for at least 5 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cream cheese using an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. You want it to be creamy and free of lumps.
7. Add the sugar and mix until fully combined. It should be smoothly incorporated into the cream cheese.
8. Incorporate the lightly beaten eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a smooth texture.
9. Next, add the sour cream and vanilla, whipping until everything is well blended and smooth.
10. In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until the oats are no longer dry. This is your crumble topping.
11. Peel the apple and dice it into very small pieces, about 1/4 inch cubes. This will help them distribute nicely in the bars.
12. Add the diced apples to a bowl, along with sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Mix until the apples are all coated.
13. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a silicone spatula.
14. Top with the apple mixture, spreading it evenly across the cheesecake layer.
15. Use a chopstick or butter knife to swirl the apples into the cheesecake slightly for an even distribution.
16. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apple layer evenly.
17. Bake the cheesecake bars in the oven at 325°F for 65 to 70 minutes. You want most of the moisture to be gone from the center.
18. Once baked, let them cool for 20 minutes in the pan, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.
19. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top for an extra touch of indulgence!

Notes

• Choosing the Right Apples: Select apples that are good for baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape well and balance the sweetness of the cheesecake.
• Testing for Doneness: The cheesecake bars should wiggle slightly in the center after baking, indicating they're set but not overcooked.
• Slicing Tips: Due to their richness, consider cutting the bars into smaller pieces. I often slice them into 12 instead of 9, making them easier to share.
• Storage Advice: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. They can last longer but are best enjoyed fresh.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.