Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and tender apple pieces, drizzled with sweet caramel for a perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Sea salt for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in chilled butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
- Prepare the apples: Toss diced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon. Sauté in 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add granulated sugar and blend until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently, then stir in vanilla. Fold in cooled apples.
- Assemble and bake: Pour cheesecake-apple mixture over the warm crust and smooth the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Cool completely on a wire rack, then chill a minimum of 3 hours (overnight is best).
- Finish with caramel: Warm caramel sauce slightly for easy drizzling. Remove bars from pan using parchment overhang, slice into squares, and drizzle with caramel. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on each bar if you like contrast.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients and don’t overmix the filling. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American