If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances creamy richness with a touch of fruity freshness and a luscious caramel finish, then you absolutely must try the Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars bring together the smooth tang of cheesecake, the cozy warmth of spiced apples, and the irresistible allure of salted caramel in one delightful bite. They’re simple enough to make on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at your next gathering, capturing the essence of fall with every mouthwatering forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that combine to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each element plays an important role—from the buttery crust to the cinnamon-spiced apples, finishing with a drizzle of salted caramel that takes these bars to the next level.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a crunchy, buttery base that holds all the layers together.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to the crust for balance.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and adds richness.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake layer, delivering that creamy, dreamy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake perfectly without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cheesecake’s flavor with subtle warmth.
- 2 large eggs: Helps set the cheesecake filling firmly while keeping it silky smooth.
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced: Infuses the bars with fresh, juicy sweetness and a touch of natural tartness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds cozy spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Boosts the apple’s caramelized flavor and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a warm, fragrant note to the apple topping.
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling: The showstopper ingredient that ties everything together with sweet saltiness.
- Coarse sea salt for garnish (optional): Adds a sophisticated crunch and amplifies the salted caramel flavor.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted unsalted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan to create an even, dense crust. Baking it for about 8 minutes ensures it becomes beautifully crisp and golden, setting a sturdy foundation for your cheesecake.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust bakes, whip up the cheesecake layer by beating the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully blended before adding the next. This process ensures your cheesecake texture will be silky and rich without any lumps.
Step 3: Add the Cheesecake Layer
Pour your luscious cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. This layer serves as the creamy heart of the bars, balancing out the sweetness and spice from the apple topping you’ll add next.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Topping
In a small bowl, toss the finely diced apples with cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg. This spiced apple mixture brings brightness and a hint of warmth, creating an irresistible contrast to the smooth cheesecake. Evenly sprinkle the apples over the cheesecake layer, making sure every bite gets a taste of that cozy apple goodness.
Step 5: Bake and Chill
Bake your entire dessert for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly—a sign of perfectly baked cheesecake. Allow it to cool completely on the countertop before transferring it to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours. Chilling is key for firm, sliceable bars that hold their shape beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Salted Caramel
Once chilled, drizzle the bars generously with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of coarse sea salt if you like an added crunch and sophisticated edge. Then slice into squares and prepare for compliments!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation with a few extra touches. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few extra swirls of salted caramel sauce will make the bars look as decadent as they taste. For a bit of texture, a sprinkling of toasted pecans or walnuts on top adds a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake and tender apples.
Side Dishes
These cheesecake bars shine on their own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an even more indulgent treat. A warm cup of spiced apple cider or a simple black coffee makes a perfect pairing, rounding out your dessert experience wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the bars on a wooden board with extra salted caramel sauce in a ramekin for dipping. You could also layer smaller pieces in individual clear glasses, alternating with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for a stunning mini dessert parfait. These little twists are sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The bars actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
While these bars are generally served chilled, if you prefer them slightly warm, gently heat them in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. Avoid overheating to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the caramel from becoming too runny.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. Choose one that balances sweetness and tartness to complement the cheesecake and caramel.
Is it okay to substitute the salted caramel sauce with homemade caramel?
Yes, homemade caramel sauce is fantastic in this recipe. Just make sure it’s salted to keep that perfect sweet-salty dynamic that makes this dessert so addictive.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dessert accessible for gluten-sensitive friends.
What if I don’t have parchment paper to line the pan?
No worries! You can grease the pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Just be sure to grease the edges as well for easy removal of the bars.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, adding chopped pecans or walnuts either on top of the apples before baking or sprinkled as a garnish adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the bars beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe are truly a celebration of fall flavors and creamy indulgence all wrapped into one easy dessert. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday party or treating yourself on a cozy evening, they offer that perfect combination of texture, spice, sweetness, and a touch of saltiness that keeps people coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover just how magical these bars can be!
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Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake, tender apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Finished with a luscious drizzle of salted caramel sauce and a sprinkle of coarse sea salt, they offer perfect balance between sweet and savory—a must-try dessert for fall or any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Apple Topping
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
- Coarse sea salt for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup sugar and melted butter until well combined. Firmly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even crust layer. Bake in the oven for 8 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, resulting in a silky cheesecake batter.
- Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it out smoothly using a spatula.
- Prepare Apple Topping: In a small bowl, combine the diced apples with ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and nutmeg, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly. Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Avoid overbaking to maintain a creamy texture. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill: Once cooled, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours to fully set the cheesecake.
- Add Finishing Touches and Serve: Before slicing into bars, drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce and sprinkle a pinch of coarse sea salt if desired. Slice into 9 bars and serve chilled.
Notes
- For added texture, sprinkle a layer of chopped pecans or a streusel topping over the apples before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
