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Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars - featured image
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A no-bake dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, a light and airy cream cheese filling, and a warm honeycrisp apple-caramel topping. Perfect for fall gatherings and last-minute cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs (whole grain preferred)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 24 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon gelatin powder (optional)
  • 3 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until resembling wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan and refrigerate.
  2. Beat softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. If using gelatin, bloom in cold water, microwave until liquid, and beat into the cheese mixture.
  3. In a separate cold bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture in two additions using a rubber spatula.
  4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the chilled crust and smooth the top.
  5. In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add diced apples and cinnamon, cooking for 5-7 minutes until tender. Stir in caramel sauce and cook for 2 more minutes. Let cool slightly.
  6. Spoon the warm apple-caramel mixture over the cheesecake layer. Swirl or dollop as desired.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until firm.
  8. Lift bars out using parchment paper. Cut into squares with a sharp, hot-dipped knife. Serve chilled.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Keep heavy cream and bowl cold for proper whipping. Do not skip the chilling time as it is essential for setting. For gluten-free option, substitute crust with almond flour. Gelatin is optional but helps with structure for transport.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake cheesecake, caramel apple bars, fall dessert, easy dessert, graham cracker crust, honeycrisp apples, cream cheese dessert

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/creamy-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-easy-no-bake-dessert/