Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: A Delicious Dessert in Just About 1 Hour
Short introduction
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creaminess of cheesecake with the tartness of apples and the sweetness of caramel. This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, a festive holiday, or just a cozy night in. The layers of flavors create a delightful experience that everyone will love!
Why you’ll love it
There are numerous reasons to enjoy these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. First, they are incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple steps. Second, the combination of flavors—from the rich cheesecake to the sweet apples and luscious caramel—creates a truly irresistible treat. Plus, they can be made in advance, making them a perfect dessert for busy days. Lastly, they are visually appealing, making them perfect for impressing guests!
Ingredients
To whip up these delicious bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Substitutions & key variations
Feel free to mix things up with some easy substitutions:
- Instead of Granny Smith apples, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor.
- If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Swap out pecans for other nuts, like walnuts or almonds, or omit them for a nut-free version.
- You can use store-bought caramel sauce if you want to save time.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Make the crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the other layers.
Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake layer
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
Step 3: Add the apple layer
In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Make the streusel topping
In a bowl, mix the flour and brown sugar together. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. If you’re using pecans, stir them in at this point. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple layer.
Step 5: Bake the bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake has set. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Step 6: Prepare the caramel sauce
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns an amber color (about 8-10 minutes).
Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the cream (it will bubble). Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Step 7: Serve
Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with warm caramel sauce right before serving.
Success tips
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth batter; you can leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before use.
- For the best texture, allow the cheesecake to cool completely before refrigerating.
- Avoid overmixing the batter once the eggs are added to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
How to serve
Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but topping each square with additional caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream adds a wonderful finishing touch.
Storage & reheating
Store your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep well for about 4-5 days. If you want to reheat them, you can do so in the microwave for a few seconds until just warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator.
2. Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
Yes, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in an airtight container. They will keep well for about 2-3 months.
3. Can I use different fruits?
Absolutely! You can switch the apples for pears or berries depending on your taste preferences.
Nutrition notes
These bars are rich and indulgent, best enjoyed in moderation. They provide a good mix of macronutrients due to the cream cheese, butter, and natural sugars from the apples.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are an easy yet impressive dessert that everyone will love. With a creamy cheesecake base, sweet apples, and a homemade caramel sauce, they’re bound to be a hit! Give this delightful recipe a try today.
Links to related recipes
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Layer
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced Substitute with Honeycrisp or Fuji if desired
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional) Can be substituted for other nuts or omitted
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9”x13” baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
Making the Cheesecake Layer
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and spread it evenly.
Adding the Apple Layer
- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Making the Streusel Topping
- In a bowl, mix the flour and brown sugar together. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. If using pecans, stir them in at this point and sprinkle the topping over the apple layer.
Baking the Bars
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake has set. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preparing the Caramel Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then increase heat to medium-high. Cook without stirring until amber in color (about 8-10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the cream (it will bubble), then stir in butter and salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.
Serving
- Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.