Why Make This Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the flavors of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and rich caramel. They make a perfect dessert for fall gatherings, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress friends and family. These bars are easy to make, and everyone loves their sweet and tangy taste.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chopped apples and cinnamon.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
- Serve chilled, drizzled with additional caramel if desired.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These bars can be served as a dessert after dinner or as a sweet snack at gatherings. You can cut them into small squares or rectangles for easy serving. Drizzling extra caramel sauce on top before serving adds a beautiful touch.
How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Store the leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months; just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Use a variety of apples for added flavor; Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together.
- If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped nuts to the cheesecake mixture.
Variations
You can switch the apples for other fruits like pears or peaches. You might also try adding chopped nuts, or even a layer of chocolate chips for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, using store-bought caramel sauce is perfectly fine and saves time!
2. Can I make these bars in advance?
Absolutely! They can be made a day or two ahead of time. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
3. What is the best way to cut these bars?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a paper towel after each cut for neat edges. This way, your bars will look great when served!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared dish to form a crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar and vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in chopped apples and cinnamon.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking dish. Drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
- Serve chilled, drizzled with additional caramel if desired.