Description
These Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie with a creamy cheesecake filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars make a perfect dessert that’s both rich and comforting.
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 the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix well and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In another medium bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with 3 tablespoons sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside to let the flavors mingle.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixer bowl, 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 prepared apple mixture until evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour or until the filling is fully set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan. This ensures the bars set well and are easier to slice.
- Serve with Toppings: Once cooled, slice into 9 or more squares. Drizzle each piece with caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with sea salt for a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness.
Notes
- You can substitute the apples with other firm fruits like pears for a different twist.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Using parchment paper makes removing the bars from the pan easier and helps with cleaner slices.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
