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hannie mayzel

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

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.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

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

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the Crust:
  1. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon.
  2. Pour in melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool.
Make the Cheesecake Layer:
  1. Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  3. Blend in flour until incorporated.
  4. Add egg and mix on low speed until just combined.
  5. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Prepare the Apple Filling:
  1. Toss chopped apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
  2. Cook the mixture in a skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, until apples begin to soften.
  3. Let the filling cool slightly, then spread it over the cheesecake layer.
Make the Crumb Topping:
  1. In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. Drizzle in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
  3. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple layer.
Bake the Bars:
  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheesecake is set.
  2. Cool completely before slicing into bars for clean cuts.

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