Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Delightful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars marry creamy cheesecake with sweet caramel and tart apples, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs Use regular or gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Ensure butter is unsalted
For the cheesecake filling
- 2 packages cream cheese, softened Make sure it's at room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs Add one by one
- 2 cups diced apples Tart apples are preferred
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce Store-bought or homemade
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until it resembles wet sand.
- Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch square baking pan.
Making the filling
- Beat softened cream cheese in a bowl until fluffy and smooth.
- Add sugar, vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until silky.
- Fold in diced apples and ground cinnamon gently.
Baking
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and spread gently.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top and use a knife to swirl it.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor and texture, use fresh ingredients. These bars can also be made gluten-free and variations can be explored with different fruits or flavors.