Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Learn how to make Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars that are perfect for any occasion! These bars feature a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and crunchy apples, making them an ideal dessert for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in. The best part? You can create this indulgent treat without the fuss of a springform pan or water bath!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: These cheesecake bars come together easily and require minimal baking skills.
• Decadent Flavor: The rich combination of caramel and apple elevates the traditional cheesecake to new heights.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving at home.
• Make-Ahead Option: Prepare these bars ahead of time and store them in the fridge for hassle-free serving.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With flavors everyone loves, these bars are sure to impress family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking dish: This size is perfect for making thick cheesecake bars that cut nicely.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when mixing the creamy cheesecake filling to perfection.
• Rubber spatula: Ideal for scraping down sides of bowls and ensuring everything is well-combined.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 2 1/4 cups (302g) graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tbsp (39g) sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (207g) sugar
• 3 tbsp (24g) all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (173g) sour cream, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs, room temperature

For the Caramel Apple Topping

• 2 large apples, chopped
• 1/4 cup (56g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• sprinkle of lemon juice
• 1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your cheesecake bars.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon.
2. Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In another bowl:
1. Beat cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer.
2. Gradually add sugar and flour; blend well.
3. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until combined.
4. Add eggs one at a time while mixing on low speed until just blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Pour cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking dish. Bake in preheated oven for about 50 minutes or until set but slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

While cheesecake cools:
– In a small bowl, toss chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.

Step 6: Add Topping & Cool

After baking:
– Evenly distribute apple mixture on top of baked cheesecake.
– Allow to cool completely in the pan before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

Step 7: Serve with Whipped Cream

To make whipped cream:
– Beat heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until soft peaks form.
– Cut cheesecake into bars, serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top!

Enjoy your Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars as a delightful treat that brings warmth to any gathering!

How to Serve Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Serving Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars can elevate your dessert experience. These bars are rich and flavorful, making them perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Homemade Whipped Cream

• Top each bar with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for added creaminess and a delightful contrast in texture.

Drizzled with Extra Caramel Sauce

• Enhance the sweetness by drizzling extra caramel sauce over the bars before serving, emphasizing the apple and caramel flavors.

Accompanied by Fresh Apples

• Serve slices of fresh apples on the side for a crunchy contrast that complements the soft cheesecake.

Paired with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream makes for a comforting dessert pairing, adding a cold element to balance the warm flavors.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle crushed pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that goes well with caramel and apple.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pair these bars with a hot cup of coffee or tea to balance their sweetness while providing a cozy touch to your dessert experience.

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How to Perfect Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

To achieve the best results when making Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter without lumps.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks during baking.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely and chill in the fridge for at least four hours to set properly and improve flavor.
• Line Your Pan: Use parchment paper to line your baking dish for easy removal of the cheesecake bars after baking.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

When serving Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, consider some delicious side dishes that enhance this dessert. Here are some great options:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Donuts
   These fluffy donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar pair beautifully, adding an extra layer of sweetness.
2. Spiced Hot Cider
   A warm mug of spiced hot cider brings comforting fall flavors that complement the cheesecake bars perfectly.
3. Apple Crisp
   A small portion of apple crisp adds texture and flavor diversity while staying true to the apple theme.
4. Cheeseboard
   A selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits creates a sophisticated pairing that balances sweetness with savory notes.
5. Carrot Sticks with Dip
   Fresh carrot sticks served with ranch dip provide a crunchy contrast while keeping things light alongside sweet bars.
6. Pecan Pie Bites
   Mini pecan pie bites offer another rich dessert option that matches well without overwhelming sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth filling without lumps.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks in your cheesecake bars.
• Skipping the chilling time: Allow your bars to cool completely before slicing. Chilling them in the fridge for several hours will help firm up the texture.
• Not greasing the pan properly: A well-greased pan prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your cheesecake bars. Consider using parchment paper as an extra measure.
• Ignoring the topping: Don’t forget to add caramel sauce and whipped cream! These toppings enhance flavor and presentation.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

• You can freeze these bars for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat for about 15-20 seconds on medium power for a quick warm-up.
• Stovetop: Place bars in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm gently until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, here are some answers!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! Pears or berries can be great substitutes for apples if you want to switch things up.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

The edges should look set while the center remains slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free options available at most grocery stores.

What’s the best way to cut these cheesecake bars?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

How can I customize my Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

Feel free to add nuts, spices, or chocolate chips into the filling or topping for added flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are not only decadent but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them at home, they are sure to impress. Feel free to customize with different fruits or toppings to suit your taste!

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Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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• Author: Tina
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! These creamy, rich bars combine the lusciousness of cheesecake with the sweetness of caramel and the crunch of fresh apples, making them a perfect dessert for any occasion—from cozy nights in to festive gatherings. The best part? You can whip these up without any complicated baking techniques like springform pans or water baths. Enjoy every bite, topped with homemade whipped cream or an extra drizzle of caramel for that extra touch of indulgence.

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Ingredients

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• 2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 24 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 large apples
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 3 tbsp all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• sprinkle of lemon juice
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly and press into the bottom of the prepared dish.
3. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and flour; mix well. Incorporate sour cream, vanilla, and cinnamon before adding eggs one at a time until just blended.
4. Pour filling over crust and bake for about 50 minutes or until slightly jiggly in the center.
5. Cool completely, then top with a mixture of chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours before serving.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 90mg