Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delicious dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with sweet apples and a rich caramel topping. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a sweet treat!

Ingredients

For the Crust

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

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups apples (peeled, cored, and diced; about 2 medium apples)

For the Topping

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
• Additional caramel sauce (for drizzling, optional)

Timing

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

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
2. Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, mixing until fully combined.
3. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when shaken. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean.
3. Cool: Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 5: Add Toppings

1. Drizzle with Caramel: Once chilled, drizzle the top with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
2. Cut and Serve: Cut into bars and serve. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (per bar, based on 16 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Bar
Calories	250
Protein	4g
Fat	15g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g

Tips for Customization

• Apple Varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for added flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cheesecake filling for extra warmth.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free version.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and rich caramel. They are sure to be a hit at any gathering, bringing the flavors of fall to your dessert table!