Description
Indulgent Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars merge classic dessert flavors into one irresistible treat. Layers of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and buttery crumble create a dessert you’ll crave from first delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Base:
- 4 medium apples (gala or granny smith)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Crust and Topping:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
Cheesecake and Caramel Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl until the mixture resembles coarse, moist sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base for the bars.
- Peel and dice apples into small, uniform cubes, then toss with brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate eggs one at a time into the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Gently fold in vanilla extract and heavy cream until the cheesecake batter is silky and well combined.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
- Pour the cheesecake batter carefully over the apple layer, using a spatula to create a smooth, even surface.
- Drizzle caramel sauce across the top of the cheesecake layer in a decorative pattern.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight to ensure the bars are fully set and chilled.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan, then slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Embrace room temperature ingredients to ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter that blends perfectly.
- Dice apples into consistent small cubes to guarantee even cooking and a balanced texture throughout the bars.
- Opt for full-fat cream cheese to achieve the richest, most decadent cheesecake consistency and prevent a grainy texture.
- Chill the bars thoroughly before serving to allow flavors to meld and create a firmer, more sliceable dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg