Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Deliciously creamy and perfectly sweet, these bars combine the flavors of cheesecake and sweet apples, all topped with a caramel swirl.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs Can be substituted with crushed Oreos.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted Ensure fully melted for mixing.
For the Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Can use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Optional to add nutmeg for a warmer flavor.
- 2 cups diced apples Feel free to use your favorite type of apples.
For the Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce Can drizzle more on top before serving.
To Serve
- optional additional cooking caramel sauce or whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon.
- Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to swirl it gently into the mixture.
Baking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. For best flavor, refrigerate overnight.