Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake bars have gained immense popularity in the world of desserts, and for good reason. These bars combine the beloved qualities of cheesecake with the convenience of being easily portioned and served. Unlike traditional round cheesecakes, which require careful slicing and sometimes come with the challenge of maintaining their shape, cheesecake bars are straightforward to cut into perfect squares or rectangles. This makes them ideal for serving at parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings where guests appreciate a sweet treat that is easy to manage.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, a perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, and sweet apple topping. This recipe is not only simple to follow but also ideal for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners. Enjoy the warm notes of caramel and apple in every delicious bite, and impress your guests with this irresistible dessert that combines comfort and sophistication.

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

½ cup sour cream

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Apple Topping:

2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

¼ cup brown sugar, packed

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Caramel Sauce:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For Garnish:

Extra caramel drizzle

Whipped cream (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal later.

Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes until golden and set, then let it cool slightly.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, sour cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Beat until fully combined and smooth—scrape down the sides as needed.

Combine Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated.

Layer the Cheesecake and Apples: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Then, spoon the apple mixture over the top of the cheesecake filling in an even layer.

Bake: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles. It should no longer be shiny; it will continue to firm up as it cools.

Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to fully set the cheesecake.

Drizzle with Caramel: Once chilled and set, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Drizzle generous amounts of caramel sauce over the top before slicing into bars.

Serve: Serve chilled, topped with a dollop of whipped cream if desired, and an additional caramel drizzle for extra sweetness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 5 hours (including chilling) | 12 servings