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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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These caramel apple cheesecake bars combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake layer, tender apples, and luscious caramel drizzle for a perfect fall dessert that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (mix of Granny Smith and Fuji)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • ½ cup (100g) packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add egg yolk and mix until just combined. Press mixture evenly into greased 9×9-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
  2. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and flour until just combined. Pour cheesecake mixture evenly over warm crust.
  3. Toss sliced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Spread apples over cheesecake layer, pressing gently to stick but not sink.
  4. Bake bars at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
  5. While bars bake, combine brown sugar, heavy cream, butter, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in vanilla if using. Let cool slightly.
  6. Let bars cool to room temperature, then drizzle caramel sauce over top. Chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Keep cream cheese at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps. Use room temperature eggs. Watch oven closely starting at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking. Use a warm knife dipped in hot water for clean slices. Chill bars for at least 2 hours for best texture. For gluten-free, substitute flours with almond or gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, fall dessert, autumn dessert, cheesecake bars, caramel drizzle, apple dessert

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-perfect-fall-dessert/