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Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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These creamy caramel apple cheesecake bars combine a buttery crust, smooth cheesecake layer, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle, perfect for cozy gatherings and comforting desserts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp or Gala), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup caramel sauce
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for about 15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove and cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with ⅔ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons flour until just combined.
  4. Make the apple topping: Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg if using. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until apples are tender but still hold shape. Cool slightly.
  5. Assemble the bars: Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly. Spoon sautéed apples over the cheesecake layer, pressing gently to distribute evenly.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until cheesecake is set and edges are firm but center has a slight wobble. Avoid overbaking.
  7. Cool bars completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  8. Before serving, drizzle with ½ cup caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.
  9. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan and cut into 12 squares.

Notes

Soften cream cheese well before mixing to avoid lumps. Press crust firmly to prevent crumbling. Cook apples until tender but not mushy. Watch baking time carefully to keep bars creamy. Chill bars overnight for best texture. Warm caramel sauce if too thick to drizzle. Tent pan with foil if crust edges brown too quickly.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, creamy cheesecake bars, apple dessert, caramel dessert, cozy dessert, fall dessert, easy cheesecake bars

Find it online: https://cooksyla.com/creamy-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-easy-recipe-for-cozy-gatherings/