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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 cup granulated sugar, divided - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups peeled and diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Optional: whipped cream and additional caramel for topping The key ingredients for these bars create a rich and tasty treat. The graham cracker crumbs form a crunchy crust. The unsalted butter helps bind the crumbs together. Using granulated sugar sweetens both the crust and the filling. Cream cheese gives the bars a creamy texture. Eggs help set the filling when baking. Vanilla extract adds a warm flavor that blends well. Apples bring a fresh taste and slight crunch. I recommend using tart apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for a nice balance. Cinnamon adds warmth and spice that pairs perfectly with apples. Caramel sauce drizzled on top adds sweetness and richness. If you want to take it up a notch, whipped cream and extra caramel make great toppings. - Mixing bowls - Baking pan - Oven - Spatula You will need some basic tools to make these bars. Mixing bowls help combine the ingredients easily. A baking pan, preferably 9x9 inches, holds the bars while they bake. Your oven needs to be preheated to ensure even cooking. A spatula helps spread the cheesecake filling smoothly over the crust. With these items, you are ready to create a delicious dessert. First, you need to preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature helps the bars bake evenly. While the oven heats, grease a 9x9 inch baking pan. You can also use parchment paper. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs coat well. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms a solid crust. Bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes until it is lightly golden. Remove it and let it cool for a bit. In another bowl, beat 1 (8 oz) package of softened cream cheese with ¾ cup of sugar. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. Then, add 2 large eggs, one by one, mixing well after each. Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir. Now, gently fold in 2 cups of peeled and diced apples and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This gives your filling a great flavor. Pour the cheesecake filling over your cooled crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake everything in the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes. The center should be set but still jiggle a little. After baking, let the bars cool to room temperature. Drizzle a good amount of caramel sauce on top. Finally, chill them in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This makes them easier to slice. To make your cheesecake creamy, use room-temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can cause lumps. Beat the cheese until smooth before adding other ingredients. This helps blend everything well. Cracks can ruin the look of your cheesecake. To avoid cracks, do not overmix the filling. Bake at a low temperature and avoid opening the oven door. Let the bars cool slowly in the oven after baking. If you need an alternative for cream cheese, try Greek yogurt or ricotta. These options can give a different flavor and texture. If you want lower sugar, use a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol. These can work well in the recipe. Serve your cheesecake bars in a nice dish to make them pop. A glass plate shows off the layers well. Top with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel for a tasty touch. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon on top for extra flair. {{image_2}} You can change the apple type for fun. Granny Smith apples are tart, while Honeycrisp are sweet. Each type gives the bars a new taste. Try mixing apples for a fun twist. You could use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Pears also make a great addition. Just peel and dice them like apples. They add a soft, juicy flavor that pairs well with cream cheese. Spices can change the flavor of your bars. Adding nutmeg or ginger gives a warm, cozy taste. Just a pinch can make a big difference. You can also add chocolate or caramel swirls. Drizzle melted chocolate or extra caramel on top. Swirl them into the filling for a fun effect. These simple changes make your cheesecake bars unique. To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, store them properly. You can keep them in the fridge for up to one week. Just place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out or absorbing other smells from your fridge. If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you want to serve your cheesecake bars warm, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars in a baking dish and cover them loosely with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. This helps keep the texture nice and creamy. Avoid using a microwave. It can make the bars too soft and change the texture. If you follow these steps, your cheesecake bars will taste just as good as when you first made them. Caramel apple cheesecake bars last up to five days in the fridge. To keep them fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps them stay moist and tasty. Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars a day in advance. Prepare them, cool, and chill as usual. This gives the flavors more time to blend. Just cut and serve when ready. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife. Dip the knife in hot water before each slice. Wipe it dry after each cut to avoid sticking. This way, your bars look neat and pretty. Check for a slight jiggle in the center. The edges should be set and firm. If the top is lightly golden, it’s a good sign too. A toothpick should come out mostly clean when inserted. Caramel apple cheesecake bars are easy and fun to make. We covered all the essential ingredients, from graham cracker crumbs to creamy cheesecake. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to help you create the best bars. Remember to store them well for freshness, and don’t hesitate to try new flavors. Enjoy your delicious creation and share it with friends and family for smiles all around. Make your kitchen a happy place with these tasty treats!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the perfect fall dessert with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! Easy to make, these bars feature a delicious graham cracker crust topped with a creamy apple filling, drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Whether for a cozy gathering or sweet treat at home, these cheesecake bars are sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar, divided

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups peeled and diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Optional: whipped cream and additional caramel for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup of sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.

      Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

        Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with the remaining ¾ cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

          Add the Apples: Gently fold the diced apples and cinnamon into the cheesecake mixture until evenly distributed.

            Spread the Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust in the baking pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.

              Bake the Bars: Bake in the oven for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the center is set and a slight jiggle remains.

                Cool and Drizzle Caramel: Once baked, remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the top.

                  Chill: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares. This will help them set further and make them easier to slice.

                    Serve: Cut into squares, serve chilled, and garnish with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel if desired.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes + chilling | Servings: 12 bars