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Cozy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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These Cozy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and caramel-glazed apples for a warm, comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture feels like wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake batter: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
  4. Pour batter over crust: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm graham cracker crust.
  5. Cook the caramel apple topping: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but still hold their shape. Remove from heat.
  6. Layer apples on cheesecake: Spoon the warm apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top in a zigzag pattern.
  7. Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cheesecake should be mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center. Avoid overbaking.
  8. Cool and chill: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  9. Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut into 12 bars. For neat edges, dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between cuts.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth batter. Avoid overbaking to prevent cracks. Chill bars for at least 3 hours for best slicing. Warm caramel sauce slightly if too thick to drizzle. Substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for gluten-free crust. Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan butter for dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, caramel apple dessert, cheesecake bars, graham cracker crust, easy dessert, homemade dessert, fall dessert

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cozy-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-dessert/