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Irresistible Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Easy Homemade Recipe with Spiced Crust

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars - featured image
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These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a warm spiced crust, creamy cheesecake layer, tart apples, and a homemade caramel drizzle, perfect for cozy fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (about 180g)
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed (100g)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp ground ginger (optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (115g)
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (450g)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (15g)
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 450g)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (25g)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter (45g)
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream (80ml)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Add cold cubed butter and mix with a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  2. Press about two-thirds of the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes until set and starting to turn golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy (3-4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons flour.
  4. Pour cheesecake batter over the warm crust and spread evenly.
  5. Toss thin apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Arrange apples evenly over cheesecake batter.
  6. Sprinkle remaining spiced crust crumbs over the apples for a crunchy topping.
  7. Return pan to oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Cheesecake should be set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  8. Let bars cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up.
  9. To make caramel drizzle: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt granulated sugar without stirring, swirling occasionally until deep amber color.
  10. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until melted. Slowly add heavy cream while whisking; mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir in a pinch of salt and let cool slightly.
  11. Once bars are chilled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before slicing into squares. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean cuts.

Notes

Use cold butter for the crust to achieve crumbly texture. Do not overmix cheesecake batter after adding eggs to avoid cracking. Thin, even apple slices cook uniformly. If caramel thickens too much, gently warm before drizzling. Tent pan with foil if apples brown unevenly. Chill bars at least 2 hours before slicing for clean cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, spiced crust, fall dessert, homemade cheesecake bars, caramel drizzle, apple dessert, easy baking recipe

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