You know that moment when the crispness of fall in the air brings with it the delightful scent of caramel wafting through the kitchen? That’s exactly how I feel when I make these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. It’s a comforting recipe that combines silky cream cheese with warm, spiced apples, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. Each bite feels like a gentle hug, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, spiced apples, and luscious caramel sauce, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the diced apples and sprinkle in the cinnamon, then pour the cream cheese blend over the crust in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
- Allow to cool before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. Serve chilled.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture. Toast some chopped nuts to sprinkle on top before serving for a delightful crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Cooking Up Some Comfort
First things first, let’s dive into how these delicious bars come to life! You’ll be blending together a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and juicy apples, all while the warm smell fills your home. It’s as simple as mixing, pouring, and baking to create a dessert that’s sure to delight everyone around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared dish; this will be the delightful base of our bars.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. The texture should feel light and airy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of warmth.
- Next, fold in the diced apples and sprinkle in the cinnamon, which adds such a lovely aroma to the mixture. Pour the cream cheese blend over the crust in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the cheesecake mixture, letting it swirl in for every bite to be a sweet surprise.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly, promising a firm but creamy finish.
- Allow your creation to cool before refrigerating for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes slicing into bars a delight. Serve chilled and enjoy each bite!
Nutritional Snapshot
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: Approximately 280
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 39g
- Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
Packed with protein and fiber, these bars keep you satisfied without feeling heavy, making them the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Perfect Pairings
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are wonderful for family dinners or cozy weekend brunches. They pair beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee makes for an inviting table. Imagine sharing these sweet treats with loved ones, each bite bringing smiles and warm memories.
Keep It Fresh
To keep your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars fresh, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just wrap each bar well in plastic and place them in a freezer-safe container. When it’s time to enjoy them, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight for a sweet treat ready at a moment’s notice!
Betty’s Secrets
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the apple mixture—it complements the cinnamon beautifully.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened properly; this creates a smoother filling.
- Toast some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to sprinkle on top before serving for a delightful crunch.
Creative Twists
- In the fall, consider swapping out the apples for pumpkin puree and add a touch of pumpkin spice for a seasonal twist.
- For something different, use pear slices instead of apples, and drizzle with chocolate sauce for a sophisticated flavor.
Your Questions Answered
Can I use frozen apples for this cheesecake? Yes, you can use frozen apples, but make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
How do I know when my cheesecake bars are done? The edges should be set with a slight jiggle in the middle, much like a custard.
Can I substitute the caramel sauce? Absolutely! Homemade caramel can elevate the flavor, or you can even use chocolate sauce for a fun twist.
What’s the best way to cut cheesecake bars? Use a sharp knife, but for cleaner cuts, run the knife under warm water before slicing!
