Description

Caramel apple cheesecake bars are a decadent dessert combining a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple topping, and optional caramel drizzle. Perfect for holiday gatherings, autumn-themed parties, or as a homemade treat. Easily made gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan.

Ingredients

For the Apple Filling:

– 2 cups chopped apples (peeled and diced)

– 1 tbsp lemon juice

– 1 tbsp maple syrup

– 2 tbsp light brown sugar

– 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)

– 1 tsp ground cinnamon

– Water (as needed)

For the Crust:

– 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (substitute plant-based butter for vegan diets)

– 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (substitute gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour if needed)

– 1 tbsp light brown sugar

– ½ tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Filling:

– 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (substitute plant-based cream cheese for vegan diets)

– ⅓ cup granulated sugar

– ½ cup sour cream, room temperature (substitute plant-based sour cream for vegan diets)

– 1 tsp vanilla extract

– 2 large eggs, room temperature (substitute flax eggs for vegan diets)

For the Crumble Topping:

– 3–4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold (substitute plant-based butter for vegan diets)

– 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)

– 2 tbsp light brown sugar

– ⅓ cup rolled oats

– ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Topping:

– Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper.
Peel and dice apples into small pieces. Squeeze lemon juice over them and stir. Combine dry ingredients (flour, cinnamon, brown sugar) and toss with apples. Add maple syrup and cook on medium heat for 15–20 minutes, until soft and saucy. Cool completely before using.
Grind graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix with brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press firmly into the prepared pan and set aside.
Dice cold butter and combine with flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or forks to create a crumbly mixture. Refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating gently to avoid overmixing.
Pour cheesecake filling over the crust. Spoon cooled apple filling evenly on top. Sprinkle crumble topping over the apples.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

– Use fresh apples for maximum flavor and texture. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.

– Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze slices for longer storage; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Avoid microwaving if possible.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert / Fall Treats
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American / Seasonal Desserts

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: ~300
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg