Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delicious dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with sweet, spiced apples and a rich caramel drizzle. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion where you want to impress your guests!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and diced; about 2 medium apples)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
• Whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Timing

Making Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 45-50 minutes for baking, plus cooling time.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Mix Apples: In a bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Sugar and Eggs: Add the granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream (if using). Beat until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

1. Layer Ingredients: Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Spread evenly.
2. Add Apples: Spoon the spiced apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
3. Top with Remaining Cheesecake: Pour the remaining cheesecake mixture over the apples, spreading it gently to cover.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
2. Drizzle with Caramel: Once chilled, cut into bars and drizzle with caramel sauce. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
3. Serve: Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream.

Step 6: Dig In

1. Savor the Flavor: Enjoy the combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and rich caramel in every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (per bar, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	300
Protein	4g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	39g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	20g

Tips for Customization

• Apple Varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for added flavor.
• Add Spices: Enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cloves or allspice to the apple filling.
• Make It Caramel Swirl: Swirl some caramel sauce into the cheesecake layer before baking for an extra caramel flavor.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of cheesecake, spiced apples, and caramel into a convenient bar form. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat at home, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Enjoy this delightful recipe!