Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (Print-Friendly Version)
Creamy cheesecake bars with cinnamon apples and caramel over graham crust, perfect for fall gatherings.
# Ingredients List:
→ Crust
01 -
240 g graham cracker crumbs
02 -
113 g unsalted butter, melted
03 -
50 g granulated sugar
04 -
1.25 ml ground cinnamon
→ Cheesecake Filling
05 -
450 g cream cheese, softened
06 -
100 g granulated sugar
07 -
2 large eggs
08 -
5 ml vanilla extract
→ Apple Filling
09 -
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
10 -
30 ml lemon juice
11 -
50 g brown sugar
12 -
5 ml ground cinnamon
13 -
1.25 ml ground nutmeg
→ Topping
14 -
65 g all-purpose flour
15 -
50 g brown sugar
16 -
57 g unsalted butter, cold and cubed
17 -
30 g chopped pecans (optional)
→ Caramel Sauce
18 -
200 g granulated sugar
19 -
60 ml water
20 -
120 ml heavy cream
21 -
28 g unsalted butter
22 -
1.25 ml salt
# Detailed Cooking Steps:
01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C. Line a 23x33 cm baking pan with parchment paper.
02 -
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
03 -
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar, then eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
04 -
In a bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
05 -
Spread cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust. Distribute apple mixture on top.
06 -
Combine flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter using fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
07 -
Bake assembled bars at 175°C for 35 minutes or until topping is golden brown and filling is set. Remove from oven and cool.
08 -
Heat granulated sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat without stirring until sugar dissolves and turns amber in color. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream, butter, and salt until smooth.
09 -
Drizzle caramel sauce over cooled bars before cutting into 12 servings.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Use high-quality cream cheese and fresh Granny Smith apples for best flavor. Caramel sauce may be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Pecans add a nutty dimension but are optional.