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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Print Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 16 Bars

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Parchment paper or nonstick spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

For the Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Apple Layer

  • 3 medium apples peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cheesecake Layer

  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup caramel sauce store bought or homemade

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 9x13 baking dish with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside.
  • In a saucepan over medium heat, cook apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Stir occasionally until apples are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, mixing until just combined.
  • Pour cheesecake filling over the crust and spread evenly. Spoon apples over the cheesecake layer.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing and serving.

Notes

Tips for the Best Cheesecake Bars

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling. Press the crust firmly into the pan so it holds together when sliced. Do not overmix the cheesecake batter, as this can cause cracks. Let the bars chill fully before cutting for clean slices and the best texture.
 

Variations and Substitutions

Swap graham crackers for gingersnap cookies for extra spice. Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch. Use dulce de leche instead of caramel for a deeper flavor. For a gluten free version, use gluten free graham crackers. You can also mix caramel directly into the cheesecake batter for a marbled effect.
Keyword Cheese, Cozy, Creamy, Desserts, Sharing, Sweet