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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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3.9 from 49 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a delightful combination of layers: a buttery graham cracker streusel base, a smooth and creamy cream cheese filling, topped with cinnamon-spiced apple chunks and finished with a decadent caramel drizzle. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, these bars are a rich, comforting dessert ideal for fall gatherings or any special occasion.

  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bars

Ingredients

Graham Cracker Streusel

  • 18 full sheets graham crackers (2 packages)
  • 1 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
  • ½ cup pecans
  • ½ cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 3 packages full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature (24 oz, 680 grams)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Apples

  • 3 cups finely chopped apples, peels and cores removed (3 large apples)
  • 2 tablespoons packed light or dark brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Serving

  • ½ cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Make the Streusel: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Place graham crackers in a food processor and pulse until finely ground into crumbs. Add brown sugar, pecans, oats, salt, and melted butter; pulse several times until the nuts and oats are slightly broken up, and the mixture is uniform and sandy. Press half of the streusel mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8-9 minutes until lightly set. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy, scraping down the bowl as needed. Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Add the Filling and Apples: Spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over the slightly cooled streusel crust. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Evenly sprinkle the cinnamon apples over the cheesecake layer.
  4. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture evenly over the apples and cheesecake filling. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the filling is mostly set and no longer jiggles significantly when the pan is gently shaken (some movement is normal, but do not overbake).
  5. Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes, then transfer the pan into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1-2 hours to fully set.
  6. Serve: Use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 24 equal bars. Drizzle each bar with caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Make sure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
  • For best flavor and texture, use full-fat cream cheese.
  • Do not overbake the cheesecake layer; it should still have a slight jiggle when done.
  • You can prepare the streusel and filling ahead of time and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
  • Use firm apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe/