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Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Your New Favorite Fall Treat

Delight in these delicious Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars, combining spiced apples and salted caramel, perfect for fall celebrations.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 8 minutes
Chilling Time 5 hours
Total Time 6 hours 38 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup Unsalted Butter Substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
  • 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar Can replace with granulated sugar for a less rich flavor.
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour as a substitute.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Optional dependent on personal preference.
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances flavor.
Spiced Apple Cheesecake Filling
  • 16 ounces Cream Cheese Mascarpone can be used for a richer flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream Greek yogurt can serve as a substitute.
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar Reduce for a less sweet filling; consider using honey or maple syrup.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Use pure vanilla for best results.
  • 2 large Eggs Flax eggs can be used as a vegan alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream Omit or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
  • 3 cups Granny Smith Apples Any firm apple can be substituted, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Brown Sugar Streusel Topping
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar Can use granulated sugar if unavailable.
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar Omit one for a less sweet topping.
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 cup Old-Fashioned Oats Omit for gluten-free options.
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Use vegan butter as an alternative.
Salted Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup Salted Caramel Sauce Store-bought or homemade sauces can be used; choose one that isn’t overly sweet.

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Mixer
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and light brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and salt until the mixture resembles a crumbly dough. Press it evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 8 minutes until slightly golden.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Add eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is incorporated before adding the next. Gently fold in heavy cream and flour until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour over the cooled crust.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg. Stir until the apples are well coated. Sprinkle the spiced apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake batter.
  4. In another bowl, combine light brown sugar, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and old-fashioned oats. Cut in unsalted butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping generously over the apple layer.
  5. Carefully place the pan in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 300°F (150°C) and continue baking for an additional 40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly.
  6. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature in the pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or, ideally, overnight.
  7. After chilling, take the cheesecake out of the fridge, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper. Drizzle generously with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Slice into squares.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Ensure all dairy products are at room temperature for a smooth filling. Use a warm knife for clean cuts and consider flavor variations with spices.

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