If you have a soft spot for both apple pie and cheesecake, imagine the magic when they come together in one irresistible treat. The Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars with Caramel and Sea Salt Recipe bring that dream to life with a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cinnamon-infused cheesecake filling studded with tender apple pieces, and the perfect finishing touch of luscious caramel sauce sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt. This dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures that feels like a warm hug in every bite, making it an absolute must-try for any sweet tooth craving something special and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet essential for layering the flavors and textures that make this dessert shine. Each element plays a crucial role, from the buttery crust that provides a crisp base to the creamy filling that melts in your mouth.
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the graham cracker crust perfectly.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Creates a buttery, crisp foundation packed with classic flavor.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the crust with warm spice notes that hint at autumn.
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: The star of the cheesecake, making the filling silky and smooth.
- 3 large eggs: Provide structure while keeping the filling tender and creamy.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling to balance the tart apples.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them more vibrant.
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into small pieces: Adds natural sweetness and a delightful bite in every bar.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Sprinkled on the apples to complement their flavor perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps them blend beautifully into the cheesecake.
- Caramel sauce (store-bought): Drizzled on top for a rich, gooey, and decadent finish.
- Sea salt: Sprinkled over caramel to balance sweetness and add a subtle crunch.
How to Make Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars with Caramel and Sea Salt Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to ensure your bars come out cleanly and in perfect squares.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until you get an evenly moistened mixture. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the bottom of a glass or your fingers. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set the base and develop that toasty flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
While the crust is baking, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar in a medium bowl. This simple mix softens the apples and infuses them with gentle sweetness and spice, ready to melt into your cheesecake filling.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a mixer bowl, blend the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed for about five minutes until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and creamy. Then, gently fold in your cinnamon-sugared apples, distributing them evenly throughout the filling for bites of tender fruit in every slice.
Step 5: Bake Your Bars
Pour this luscious filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake your cheesecake bars uncovered for about one hour, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center—this will create that perfect creamy texture we all love.
Step 6: Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, let your cheesecake cool to room temperature in the pan. This cooling step is crucial to help the bars set firmly, making them easier to slice and indulge in later.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
Just before serving, drizzle your bars with generous swirls of caramel sauce and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt. The combination of sweet caramel and salt crystals will elevate the flavor profile, adding irresistible depth and contrast.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars with Caramel and Sea Salt Recipe
Garnishes
To really wow your guests, consider topping each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This extra creamy touch complements the dense cheesecake beautifully. Adding a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped toasted nuts can also add texture and spice.
Side Dishes
These bars shine as a standalone dessert, but pairing them with a fresh cup of coffee or hot spiced cider creates a cozy, perfect autumnal pairing. For a holiday table, pair with a simple green salad to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars with Caramel and Sea Salt Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a homey feel or dress them up on a cake stand sprinkled with edible flowers for a festive celebration. You can even individually wrap bars in parchment paper tied with twine as delightful party favors or gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the creamy texture and prevents the caramel topping from becoming too sticky or runny.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these bars later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
For a freshly baked taste, warm your bars gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This will soften the caramel and warm the apples without drying out the cheesecake, perfect for a cozy dessert.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape and add a nice balance of tartness and sweetness to the bars.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free graham crackers or almond meal. Both will provide a sturdy crust while keeping the dish gluten-free.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Definitely! While store-bought caramel sauce is convenient, homemade caramel adds a personal touch and richer flavor. Just be cautious when caramelizing sugar to avoid burning it.
How should I cut the bars for serving?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for neat squares. Cutting when the cheesecake is fully cooled ensures clean, beautiful bars without crumbles or cracks.
Can these bars be served warm?
Yes! While they are traditionally served chilled, warming them slightly enhances the gooey caramel and tender apples, making for an irresistibly comforting treat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress with a dessert that’s both decadent and familiar, the Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars with Caramel and Sea Salt Recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Its blend of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, crunchy crust, and luscious caramel offers everything you crave in a sweet treat. Give this recipe a try and watch it vanish at your next gathering or cozy night in—it truly feels like dessert perfection!
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Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars with Caramel and Sea Salt Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars that combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling studded with cinnamon-spiced apples, finished off with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ingredients
Crust
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- Caramel sauce (store-bought)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass or your fingers. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In another bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and finely sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon until well coated.
- Mix Cheesecake Filling: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the cinnamon-spiced apples to the cream cheese batter.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake uncovered for approximately 1 hour or until the cheesecake filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, slice into nine squares.
- Add Topping: Drizzle caramel sauce over each bar and sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to enhance the flavors before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling without lumps.
- You can substitute Granny Smith apples with any firm apple variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for different flavor profiles.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting.
- If you prefer, make your own caramel sauce for a homemade touch.
