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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 large eggs - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Optional: additional caramel sauce for drizzling on top When measuring dry ingredients, use a spoon to fill the measuring cup. Avoid packing the ingredients down. For butter, use the markings on the wrapper for accuracy. Remember to soften cream cheese for smooth mixing. Room temperature helps it blend easily. You can replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed cookies like Oreos for a twist. Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter for a dairy-free option. For a lighter version, try Neufchâtel cheese instead of cream cheese. If you want less sugar, use a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup. For apples, any tart apple works well, but Granny Smith stands out. To start, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Next, line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps in lifting out the bars later. Now, let’s make the crust. In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. This forms the base of our bars. Bake the crust for about 10 minutes. After that, let it cool while you prepare the filling. For the filling, grab a large mixing bowl. Beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Keep mixing until it's smooth and creamy. Then, add 1 cup of packed brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well blended. Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause cracks in your bars. Now, take 2 medium apples, peel, core, and dice them. Preferably use Granny Smith apples. Gently fold the diced apples and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture. Pour this cheesecake filling over your cooled crust. Smooth it out evenly. Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce on top. Use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl it into the cheesecake layer. Bake the cheesecake bars for about 30 to 35 minutes. Look for set edges and a slight jiggle in the center. Once done, let the bars cool at room temperature for 1 hour. After that, refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step is key to setting the bars perfectly. When ready to serve, lift the cheesecake from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into bars. You can drizzle more caramel sauce on top if you like. Enjoy your delicious creation! When you make caramel apple cheesecake bars, some mistakes can spoil the fun. Here are a few to watch for: - Overmixing the eggs: This can cause cracks. Mix on low until just blended. - Not cooling the crust: If you skip this step, the filling may not set well. - Skipping the chilling time: Chilling helps bars set and makes them easier to cut. The texture of your cheesecake bars is key to their success. Here’s how to get it just right: - Use room temperature cream cheese: This helps create a smooth filling. - Fold in the apples gently: This keeps the mixture light and fluffy. - Bake until just set: The center should jiggle slightly, not be fully firm. Serving your cheesecake bars can be a creative experience. Here are some fun ideas: - Top with extra caramel sauce: This adds a sweet touch and looks great. - Serve with whipped cream: A dollop of cream balances the flavors. - Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: This makes a delightful dessert combo. Enjoy making your caramel apple cheesecake bars with these tips! {{image_2}} You can swap apples for other fruits. Pears work great in these bars. They add a soft texture and sweet flavor. You can also use berries like blueberries or raspberries. These fruits add a fresh twist and a pop of color. Try adding a hint of nutmeg for warmth. This spice pairs well with cinnamon. You can also mix in some chopped nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans add a nice texture and flavor. If you want a richer taste, stir in some chocolate chips. They make each bite even more delightful. To make this dessert lighter, use low-fat cream cheese. It still tastes creamy but cuts some calories. You can also replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup. This gives a natural sweetness. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. These small swaps keep the taste without losing joy. To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps avoid drying out. If you use parchment paper, it makes lifting easier. This way, you can cut bars without making a mess. These bars can last up to five days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage. If they smell off or look different, it’s best to toss them. They are safe to eat for a few days but taste best fresh. You can freeze these cheesecake bars for later. Cut them into bars first. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Enjoy them cold or warm them up slightly in the oven. Yes, you can pick any apple you like. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold up well. Other good options are Honeycrisp and Fuji apples. These apples add sweetness and flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try using Gala apples. The choice of apples can change the flavor. Use what you have for fun twists. To make these bars gluten-free, swap out the graham crackers. Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour instead. Make sure your caramel sauce is gluten-free too. Check the labels carefully when shopping. This way, you can enjoy these treats without worry. When reheating, use the microwave or the oven. For the microwave, warm a bar for 15-20 seconds. In the oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. Always check if it’s warm enough. Serve leftovers cold or at room temperature. Drizzle more caramel sauce on top for extra flavor. You learned about the key ingredients and how to measure them. You now know substitutes for when you're missing something. The recipe steps helped you see how to bake with ease. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and the best ways to serve. Exploring variations opens up fun flavors for you to try. Proper storage ensures your cheesecake bars last longer. With these ideas, you're ready to make something great. Enjoy baking and sharing your delicious treats!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a caramel apple twist, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 servings
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 packages (8-ounce) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional: additional caramel sauce for drizzling on top

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
  • Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just incorporated (overmixing can cause cracks).
  • Gently fold in the diced apples and ground cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl it into the cheesecake layer.
  • Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle.
  • Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully set.
  • Once chilled, lift the cheesecake from the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut into bars and drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired before serving.

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top before serving.
Keyword apple, bars, caramel, cheesecake, dessert