Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, where creamy cheesecake meets tart apples and rich caramel in a perfect fusion. These easy-to-make bars are ideal for family gatherings, holidays, or casual get-togethers, offering a gourmet dessert experience without the fuss. The layers of crunchy crust, smooth filling, tender apples, and a generous caramel drizzle create a memorable treat that's sure to impress. Get ready to savor a slice of sweet nostalgia!

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Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

3 large eggs

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

For the Apple Topping:

3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Caramel Drizzle:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool.

Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add granulated sugar and vanilla, beating well. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Finally, stir in the sour cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Layer the Apples: In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated.

Assemble: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust in an even layer. Gently spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake filling. You can use a knife to lightly swirl the apples into the cheesecake for a marbled effect.

Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. The bars will continue to set as they cool.

Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Serve: Before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the chilled cheesecake bars. Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan and cut into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 25 minutes | 5 hours (including chilling) | 12-16 servings