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Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Diane
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes active time plus 4-12 hours chilling
  • Yield: 9-12 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Delight in these decadent Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, combining a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tender spiced apples, and a luscious homemade salted caramel drizzle. Perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of tangy lemon, these bars offer a deliciously comforting dessert ideal for fall gatherings or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

Apple Topping

  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salted Caramel Sauce

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure easy removal of the finished bars.
  2. Prepare the Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until all the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture becomes sandy and moist.
  3. Form and Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly to set.
  4. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure a smooth texture. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until the mixture is evenly blended and silky.
  5. Assemble the Cheesecake Layer: Pour the prepared cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
  6. Sauté the Apples: Heat butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but retain a bit of texture.
  7. Add Spices and Sweeteners to Apples: Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  8. Top Cheesecake with Apple Mixture: Spoon the cooked apple topping evenly over the cheesecake layer using a spoon to gently spread it without mixing into the filling.
  9. Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Place the pan back into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when you gently shake the pan. Avoid overbaking to keep the creamy consistency.
  10. Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce: While the bars bake, melt butter over medium heat in a medium saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the caramel thickens slightly.
  11. Finish the Caramel Sauce: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Let it cool to thicken further before using.
  12. Cool and Chill the Bars: After baking, allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the pan at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavor.
  13. Serve: Once chilled, slice into 9 to 12 bars depending on desired size. Drizzle each bar generously with the prepared salted caramel sauce and serve.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of tartness and sweetness.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
  • Pressing the crust firmly ensures a stable base that won’t crumble.
  • Do not overbake the cheesecake bars; they should have a slight jiggle in the center when done.
  • Allow the caramel sauce to cool before drizzling to prevent it from running off the bars.
  • Store leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat lightly if preferred.

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Find it online: https://savorytablerecipes.com/salted-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe/