Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 205mg
Why Make This Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of caramel and apple, these bars are the perfect choice. The combination of a buttery graham cracker crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and a drizzle of salted caramel makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself on a cozy evening, these salted caramel apple cheesecake bars are sure to impress. The blend of textures—from the crunchy crust to the smooth filling and gooey caramel—creates an irresistible dessert that is not only beautiful but also easy to make.
How to Make Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Start by greasing a 9×9 inch baking dish to ensure your bars come out easily once baked. This step is crucial for a smooth serving experience!
Step 2: Mixing
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir until the mixture is well combined and looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create an even crust.
Step 3: Creating the Cheesecake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together 2 cups of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in 3 large eggs, mixing well after each addition. Don’t rush this step; achieving a smooth batter is key for a creamy cheesecake!
Step 4: Adding the Apples and Caramel
Fold in 1 cup of peeled and diced apples, along with 1/4 cup of caramel sauce (reserve the rest for drizzling later). Pour this cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust in the baking dish. It should cover the crust completely. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top, then sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt for that sweet and salty balance.
Step 5: Baking
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly. The jiggle means your cheesecake will have that perfect light and creamy texture.
Step 6: Cooling
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature. After cooling, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time helps set the cheesecake and makes slicing easier.
Step 7: Serving
Once chilled, slice into bars and serve chilled. Enjoy the flavors and textures of creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and rich caramel.
How to Serve Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These bars are delicious on their own, but you can elevate the serving experience by pairing them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even more caramel sauce drizzled on top! They make for a fantastic dessert after dinner or a sweet treat to enjoy with coffee. If you’re feeling festive, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
How to Store Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
To store leftovers, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them—just make sure to wrap each bar in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying again.
Expert Tips for Perfect Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Use room temperature cream cheese: This ensures a smooth batter without lumps.
- Let the apples sit in the batter: If you have time, letting the apples sprinkle with a bit of sugar will enhance their flavor and sweetness.
- Experiment with spices: Adding a little cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration: Chilling the bars is essential for achieving the right texture.
Delicious Variations
- Nutty Crust: Replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed nuts or a combination of nuts and cookies for a different flavor and crunch.
- Different Fruits: Swap apples for pears or use a mixture of both for a unique twist.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
- Caramel Swirl: Instead of just drizzling caramel on top, swirl it into the cheesecake batter for a marbled effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought caramel sauce? Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly in this recipe, saving you time and effort.
- What type of apples work best? Sweet apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp complement the cheesecake and caramel well, but feel free to use your favorites!
- How do I know when the cheesecake is done? The edges should look set, and the center should have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the dish.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until serving.
- Can I double this recipe? Yes, you can double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Adjust baking time as necessary since a larger volume may require more time to cook through.
Conclusion
With creamy layers, tart apples, and a touch of salted caramel, these Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars promise to be a hit at any gathering. Whether for dessert or a sweet snack, they deliver unmatched flavor and texture that is simply hard to resist. Try making them yourself, and indulge in the deliciousness you’ve created!
Print
Irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in the creamy richness of cheesecake combined with the warm flavors of caramel and apple, all in a perfect bar format.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (reserve for drizzling)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish for the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the diced apples and caramel sauce. Pour cheesecake mixture over the crust and drizzle with remaining caramel. Sprinkle sea salt on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
- Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature cream cheese, and chill the bars thoroughly before serving. You can also experiment with different fruits or toppings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 205mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
