Description
Delicious dessert bars combining creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and sweet caramel, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until well combined and press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth, add eggs and vanilla, mixing until well blended, then pour over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg; spread this mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter until crumbly; add chopped pecans if using, and sprinkle over the apple layer.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until edges are set and lightly golden.
- For the caramel sauce, heat granulated sugar and water over medium heat until sugar dissolves and turns golden; remove from heat and stir in heavy cream, butter, and salt. Allow to cool slightly.
- Once cooled, cut bars into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
For cleaner slices, allow bars to cool completely before cutting. Use a variety of apples for more flavor.