I can’t tell you how many times I’ve whipped up these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars when I want to impress friends or family. There’s just something about the combo of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and crunchy apples that makes my taste buds do a little happy dance! I remember the first time I made them for a potluck – they disappeared faster than I could slice them, and I’m pretty sure there were a few sad faces when the last piece was claimed.
What I absolutely love about this recipe is its versatility. Whether it’s fall and you’re craving autumn flavors or a summer gathering needs a touch of sweetness, these bars fit the bill perfectly. Plus, the streusel topping? It’s like the cherry on top, except way better because it’s crumbly and buttery! So, let’s dive into what makes these bars so special and how you can make them yourself.
What’s in Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?
Let’s break down the ingredients, shall we?
Graham cracker crumbs: These are the base of our crust, creating a delightful crunch. I usually opt for plain or honey graham crackers for the best flavor.
Unsalted butter: We use melted butter in both the crust and the streusel. Trust me, it makes everything so much richer and keeps the bars from being dry.
Granulated sugar: You’ll find this in the crust and the cheesecake mix – it adds sweetness and balances out the creaminess of the cheesecake.
Cream cheese: The star of the show! Softened cream cheese gives that luscious, velvety texture we all crave in a cheesecake.
Eggs: Essential for structure, they help the cheesecake set beautifully.
Vanilla extract: A dash of this adds a warm, comforting sweetness that enhances all the flavors. I never skimp on quality here!
Sour cream: Adds richness and depth to the cheesecake layer, making it ultra creamy.
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their tartness and crunch. They pair perfectly with the sweet caramel!
Brown sugar: This adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the apples and streusel topping.
Cinnamon: A warm spice that brings everything together and gives that cozy baking aroma.
Caramel sauce: Because what’s a caramel apple without the caramel? You’ll need some for the apples and a drizzle on top.
All-purpose flour: For the streusel topping, it helps create that delightful crumble we love.
Rolled oats: They add texture to the streusel and make it even more hearty.
Is Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about health – because who doesn’t love some guilt-free indulgence, right?
Cream cheese: While it adds that delicious creamy texture, it’s also calorie-dense. But hey, it’s cheesecake!
Apples: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, apples are a great addition! The more, the merrier, I say.
Sour cream: It brings richness but can also add calories. Consider low-fat options if you’re looking to lighten it up a bit.
Overall, this dessert is more of a treat than a health food, and that’s perfectly okay! Indulge and enjoy everything in moderation. Life is too short to skip dessert!
Ingredients List
This recipe makes about 16 bars. Here’s what you’ll need:
– For the crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– For the cheesecake layer:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup sour cream
– For the apple topping:
– 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– ¼ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
– For the streusel topping:
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup rolled oats
– ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tsp cinnamon
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?
Ready to bring these heavenly bars to life? Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for an easy lift later.
2. **Make the Crust**: In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Once combined, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
3. **Prepare the Cheesecake Layer**: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is fully blended.
4. **Add Apple Topping**: Toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and caramel sauce. Spread the cheesecake mix evenly over the cooled crust, then layer the apple mixture on top.
5. **Make the Streusel Topping**: In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix until it becomes crumbly, then sprinkle evenly over the apples.
6. **Bake**: Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel topping turns golden brown.
7. **Cool and Drizzle**: Let the bars cool to room temperature, then pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set properly. Before serving, drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top!
8. **Serve**: Cut into squares and enjoy chilled or at room temperature. A dollop of whipped cream isn’t a bad idea either!
Sweet Tips & Serving Suggestions
Here are a few extra tidbits to elevate your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars:
– For a little crunch, add some finely chopped nuts to the streusel topping. Pecans or walnuts work wonderfully!
– If you’re extra, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultra-decadent experience.
– Leftovers? No problem! They keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
So there you have it! With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a dessert that will have everyone begging for the recipe. I can’t wait for you to try these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars and I promise, every bite is a little slice of heaven. Let me know how yours turn out!
