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Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

creamy caramel apple cheesecake bars - featured image
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A comforting fall dessert featuring a buttery cinnamon crust, rich cream cheese layer, tender apples, and sweet caramel drizzle. These bars are easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for crust)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for crust)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (two 8-oz blocks)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter (for apples)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for apples)
  • 1 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, ¼ cup sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add softened butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake the crust for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and let cool slightly.
  4. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and ¾ cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Add vanilla and heavy cream, mixing gently.
  5. Pour cheesecake batter over the warm crust and spread evenly.
  6. While the cheesecake bakes, toss apple slices with 1 tablespoon brown sugar and 1 tablespoon butter in a small pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until warm and glossy.
  7. Spoon apple slices evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  8. Return pan to oven and bake for another 35-40 minutes until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
  9. Immediately drizzle caramel sauce over the hot bars. Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled effect.
  10. Let bars cool completely in the pan at room temperature (about 2 hours).
  11. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before slicing into squares.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Do not overmix the batter after adding eggs to prevent cracking. Slice apples thinly for even cooking. Bars must be chilled completely before cutting for clean slices. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesecake bars, caramel apple dessert, fall baking, easy dessert, cream cheese bars, apple recipe, party dessert

Find it online: https://bakebeam.com/creamy-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-best-easy-fall-recipe/