Description
When the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall, Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the beloved flavors of caramel apples and cheesecake into one irresistible creation. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, sweet apple filling, and a crumbly spiced topping, every bite feels like a celebration of autumn. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or treating yourself, this dessert guarantees to impress.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1½ tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cheesecake Layer:
- 10 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Apple Filling:
- 2 medium-small apples, peeled and chopped (use tart varieties like Granny Smith)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1½ teaspoons cornstarch
- Crumb Topping:
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup quick-cooking oats
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2½ tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Crust:
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Blend in flour until incorporated.
- Add egg and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Toss chopped apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook the mixture in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, until apples begin to soften.
- Let the filling cool slightly, then spread it over the cheesecake layer.
- Make the Crumb Topping:
- In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Drizzle in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake the Bars:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
- Cool completely before slicing into bars for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American