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Autumn’s here, folks, and you know what that means – it’s time to indulge in some seriously delicious desserts!

Ever wondered what happens when you mix the tangy sweetness of apples, the rich creaminess of cheesecake, and the irresistible gooeyness of caramel?

Well, wonder no more! Our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars will blow your mind and become your new favorite fall snack.

Let’s dive into this heavenly dessert that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of fall flavors, combining the richness of cheesecake with the tartness of apples and the sweetness of caramel.

This dessert is ideal for autumn gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat for your family. With its blend of textures and flavors, it’s sure to become a fall favorite.

Prep Time30minutes mins
Cook Time45minutes mins
Chilling Time2hours hrs
Total Time3hours hrs 15minutes mins

16 Bars of Food
Calories350 kcal

For the Crust:

• Two cups of graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer:

• Three medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup of unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• ¼ cup chopped pecans optional

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup of sugar in granules
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup of heavy cream
• Two tablespoons of unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) before you start cooking. Put parchment paper on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. To make the crust:
   In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
   Put the mixture in the bottom of the pan that has been prepared.
   Let cool for 10 minutes while you make the remaining layers.
3. Prepare the cheesecake layer:
   Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
   Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
   Stir in vanilla extract.
   Spread the cooled crust evenly over the top.
4. Make the layer of apples:
   Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

5. Make the streusel topping:
   Put flour and brown sugar in a bowl and mix them together.
   Cut in cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
   Stir in chopped pecans if using.
   Put the streusel on top of the apples.
6. Put the bars in the oven:
   Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set.
   Let it cool down to room temperature, then put it in the fridge for at least two hours.
7. Make the caramel sauce:
   Put sugar and water in a pot. Put it on medium heat and stir until the sugar is gone.
   Set the heat to medium-high and let the mixture cook without stirring for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it turns amber.
   Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream (it will bubble vigorously).
   Stir in butter and salt until smooth.
   Let cool slightly.
8. Serve:
   Cut the chilled bars into squares.
   Drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Variations and Add-Ins: Personalizing It

Feel free to put your own spin on these bars! Here are some suggestions:

• For more crunch, add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple layer.
• Spice it up with a pinch of cardamom or ginger in the apple mixture.
• Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust if you want to make it gluten-free.
• Try a dairy-free version by using vegan cream cheese and coconut cream for the caramel sauce.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I freeze Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Before serving, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.

What if I don’t have graham crackers to make the crust?

You can use digestive biscuits or any other sweet, crunchy cookie instead of graham crackers. Just smash them up very small and then follow the recipe as it says to.

Can I make these bars without the caramel sauce?

These bars are still good without the caramel sauce, but it makes them taste much better. You could drizzle them with honey or sprinkle with powdered sugar instead.

Tips & Tricks

• The Perfect Crust: For an extra-crispy crust, pre-bake it for 10 minutes before adding the cheesecake layer. This prevents sogginess and adds a delightful crunch!
• Creamy Cheesecake Layer: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps. Beat it until it’s super smooth before adding other ingredients.
• Apple Selection: Granny Smith apples work great because their tartness balances the sweet caramel. But feel free to mix it up with Honeycrisp or Braeburn for varied flavors and textures!
• Caramel Sauce: Watch your caramel sauce like a hawk! It can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. If you’re nervous about making it from scratch, a good quality store-bought sauce works too.
• Serving and Storage: These bars taste best when they are cold. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (if they last that long!). For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

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