Why Make This Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet, tart flavor of apples and the richness of caramel. These bars are perfect for a crowd, making them great for parties, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home. They are easy to make and turn out beautifully, providing a lovely balance of flavors in every bite.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
- Fold in the diced apples and cinnamon.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to swirl it into the cheesecake.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate before cutting into bars.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Serve these delicious bars chilled or at room temperature. They can be enjoyed as is, or you can top them with extra caramel sauce or whipped cream for a special touch. A sprinkle of chopped nuts can also enhance the texture and flavor.
How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. They will stay good for about 4 to 5 days. You can also freeze these bars for longer storage; just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture.
- Make sure the cream cheese is well softened for easy mixing.
- For added spice, consider using nutmeg along with or instead of cinnamon.
- Don’t skip the step of refrigerating the bars before cutting; this helps to set the cheesecake properly.
Variation
You can easily switch out the apples for other fruits like pears or berries. You can also try adding nuts into the cheesecake mixture or topping it off with chopped nuts for some extra crunch.
FAQs
How long do these bars need to cool before serving?
You should let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating for at least a couple of hours, or ideally overnight for the best texture.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time! Just drizzle it over the cheesecake before baking.
What can I serve with these bars?
These bars pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top for an extra treat.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 2 packages (8 ounce) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 number apples, peeled and diced Use fresh apples for the best flavor.
- 1 cup caramel sauce Store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Consider adding nutmeg for additional spice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish.
Mixing the Filling
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla.
- Fold in the diced apples and cinnamon.
Baking
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to swirl it into the cheesecake.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
Cooling and Serving
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate before cutting into bars.
