Craving a taste of autumn? These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat, combining the cozy flavors of apple pie with creamy cheesecake, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. They’re surprisingly simple to make and sure to impress!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for a good balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: For the crust. You can also use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
- Caramel Sauce: Store-bought works perfectly, or make your own for extra indulgence.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
* 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
* ¼ cup granulated sugar
* ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Topping:
* 3 medium apples (about 4 cups), peeled, cored, and diced
* ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 2 tablespoons water
For the Cheesecake Filling:
* 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Finishing:
* ¼ cup caramel sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus cooling)
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories (estimation)
Tools Needed:
* 9×13 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowls
* Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well mixed. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
2. Make the Apple Topping
In another bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are fully coated. Add the water and stir. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Pour the cheesecake filling over the apple layer and gently spread it evenly.
4. Bake Your Bars
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is mostly set with a slight jiggle. A wooden skewer inserted into the cheesecake should come out clean.
5. Cool and Finish
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, drizzle generously with caramel sauce. For easier cutting, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheating is not recommended as it can alter the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
-
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use Fuji, Gala, or even a mix of apples for varying flavors. Just make sure they hold their shape well when baked. -
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples creates a smoother texture for the topping, but it’s optional if you prefer a more rustic feel. -
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These apple cheesecake bars are perfect for making a day in advance. The flavors often deepen overnight. -
Why is my cheesecake cracking?
Cracking usually happens from overbaking or sudden temperature changes. Make sure not to overmix the filling, and let the bars cool slowly. -
What if I don’t have parchment paper?
You can grease and flour the baking pan thoroughly, but parchment paper makes lifting the bars out much easier. -
Can I add nuts to the crust?
Yes, a quarter cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the graham cracker crust for extra crunch.