Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (for the crust).
02 -
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for the crust).
03 -
¼ cup granulated sugar (for the crust).
04 -
¼ tsp cinnamon (for the crust).
05 -
16 oz cream cheese, softened (for the cheesecake layer).
06 -
½ cup granulated sugar (for the cheesecake layer).
07 -
2 large eggs (for the cheesecake layer).
08 -
1 tsp vanilla extract (for the cheesecake layer).
09 -
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (for the apple layer).
10 -
2 tbsp lemon juice (for the apple layer).
11 -
¼ cup brown sugar (for the apple layer).
12 -
1 tsp cinnamon (for the apple layer).
13 -
¼ tsp nutmeg (for the apple layer).
14 -
½ cup all-purpose flour (for the streusel topping).
15 -
¼ cup brown sugar (for the streusel topping).
16 -
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for the streusel topping).
17 -
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional, for the streusel topping).
18 -
1 cup granulated sugar (for the caramel sauce).
19 -
¼ cup water (for the caramel sauce).
20 -
½ cup heavy cream (for the caramel sauce).
21 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for the caramel sauce).
22 -
¼ tsp salt (for the caramel sauce).
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper.
02 -
Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for the crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
03 -
Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then stir in vanilla. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust.
04 -
Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over the cheesecake layer.
05 -
Mix flour and brown sugar for the streusel topping. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
06 -
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set. Let it cool completely.
07 -
In a saucepan, heat sugar and water over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and turns amber. Carefully whisk in cream, then stir in butter and salt. Let cool slightly.
08 -
Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and rich caramel for a perfect fall dessert.
02 -
The streusel topping adds a crumbly texture, and the homemade caramel sauce makes it extra indulgent.