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Decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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These decadent caramel apple cheesecake bars combine tangy apples, creamy cheesecake, and gooey caramel on a buttery crust for the perfect cozy fall treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but still hold their shape, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Pour cheesecake batter evenly over cooled crust. Dollop cooked apple mixture on top and gently swirl into batter with a knife or spatula to create a marbled effect.
  5. Bake for 40-45 minutes at 325°F (163°C) until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Avoid overbaking.
  6. Cool bars completely on a rack, then chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set firmly.
  7. Warm caramel sauce slightly and drizzle over the top. Sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt if desired before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix cheesecake batter to avoid cracks. Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for smooth batter. Bake until edges are set but center jiggles slightly. Chill bars thoroughly for clean slicing. Warm caramel sauce in short bursts if too thick. Can substitute almond flour for gluten-free option and dairy-free alternatives for vegan version.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, fall dessert, autumn treats, cheesecake bars, caramel dessert, apple dessert, easy fall recipe

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/decadent-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-easy-recipe-for-cozy-fall-treats/