Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a perfect fall dessert. They combine a crunchy caramel apple flavor with a creamy New York-style cheesecake.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1 cup caramel sauce, divided
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until well combined. This forms your crust.
- Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the baked crust.
- Scatter the chopped apples and half of the pecans (if using) over the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle about 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the apples.
- Gently spoon the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top layer of cream cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is almost set.
- Let the caramel apple cheesecake bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Cut into bars and sprinkle with additional chopped pecans (if using) before serving.
Notes
- For a no-bake version, you can omit the baking step for the crust and chill the assembled bars until firm.
- Use your favorite caramel sauce, or make your own homemade caramel sauce for an extra special touch.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a more spiced apple flavor.
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approx. 350-400 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 30-35g
- Sodium: Approx. 150-200mg
- Fat: Approx. 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 12-15g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 8-10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40-45g
- Fiber: Approx. 1-2g
- Protein: Approx. 5-7g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 70-80mg
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