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
Scale
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.
