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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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Delight in these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple chunks, a crunchy oat streusel, and a luscious homemade caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet and tangy treat with rich textures.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Cheesecake Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Apple Layer

  • 1 Granny Smith apple
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves

Streusel Topping

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Caramel Drizzle

  • 12 individually wrapped caramels
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • OR salted caramel sundae topping (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Make crust: In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter thoroughly with a fork. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
  3. Prepare cheesecake layer: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese for about 2 minutes until soft and smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined and smooth. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust.
  4. Mix apple layer: In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Peel, core, and dice the Granny Smith apple into small pieces, then toss the apple pieces in the spiced sugar mix to coat evenly.
  5. Add apple layer: Spread the coated apple pieces evenly over the cheesecake layer in the baking dish.
  6. Prepare streusel topping: In another medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. Sprinkle this streusel mixture evenly over the apples.
  7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
  8. Cool: Remove the dish from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the bars to set properly.
  9. Make caramel drizzle: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the individually wrapped caramels in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Let cool slightly before stirring in the heavy cream to create a smooth caramel sauce.
  10. Serve: Drizzle the homemade caramel sauce or use store-bought salted caramel sundae topping over the bars before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for the best tart flavor that balances the sweet cheesecake and caramel.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
  • You can substitute caramel drizzle with store-bought caramel sauce to save time.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • For easier cutting, chill the bars well before slicing to prevent cracking.

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