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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
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These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crust, rich creamy cheesecake, tender cinnamon-spiced apple pieces, and a luscious caramel drizzle, creating a perfect fall dessert that’s festive, flavorful, and easy to make. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights, they offer a delightful balance of textures and warm autumn flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)

For the Apple Filling

  • 3 cups apples, diced (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Cheesecake Layer

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (or dairy-free alternative)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Caramel Drizzle

  • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and flour in a bowl until the mixture is crumbly but holds together when pressed. Press evenly into a lined baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until golden and firm.
  2. Cook the Apples: While the crust bakes, sauté diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and butter in a skillet over medium heat until the apples are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the cooked apples, being careful not to break them down too much.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake and apple mixture over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly. Return to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
  5. Add Caramel Drizzle: Once the bars have cooled completely, warm sweetened condensed milk, brown sugar, and butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until thickened into a glossy caramel sauce. Drizzle generously over the bars.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to create a smoother cheesecake filling without lumps.
  • Do not overmix the cream cheese and eggs to keep the bars light and creamy.
  • Choose tart and firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture and flavor contrast.
  • Allow bars to cool completely before drizzling caramel to maintain the topping’s texture.
  • Refrigerate bars before cutting to ensure clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple bars, caramel dessert, cheesecake bars, autumn recipes

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