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Decadent Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

salted caramel apple cheesecake bars - featured image
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These bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, tender spiced apples, and a salted caramel drizzle for a comforting and indulgent dessert perfect for fall and holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full crackers, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup salted caramel sauce
  • Coarse sea salt for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for about 10 minutes until toasty and golden.
  3. Prepare the apple layer: Heat butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender but still hold shape. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. Make the cheesecake layer: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and flour until just combined. Mix in sour cream.
  5. Assemble: Spread half of the cheesecake batter over the warm crust. Spoon cooked apples evenly on top. Dollop remaining cheesecake batter over apples and spread gently.
  6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until cheesecake is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center.
  7. Cool bars on a wire rack for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  8. Before serving, drizzle salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with coarse sea salt if desired. Slice into 12 bars.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps. Do not overmix after adding eggs to prevent cracks. Press crust firmly and bake before adding filling to avoid sogginess. Cool completely before slicing. Warm caramel sauce slightly if thick before drizzling. Vegan and gluten-free substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/decadent-salted-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-easy-homemade-recipe/