Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars combine the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with mouthwatering layers of caramel and the crisp freshness of apples. These delightful bars are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive potluck. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy apple-filled cheesecake layer, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle, each bite is a heavenly treat that will leave everyone craving more. Let’s dive into the wonderful details of this delicious recipe.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 320
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
Why Make This Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars
These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars are not just a treat; they are an experience. The contrasting textures of the crunchy crust, creamy filling, and smooth caramel create an unforgettable combination. The apples add a fruity freshness that complements the sweetness, making these bars an ideal dessert for all seasons. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, meaning you can whip up a delicious dessert in no time!
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Directions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Crust
In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form a solid crust.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Fold in the diced apples, salted caramel sauce, chopped nuts, salt, and cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Spread the apple cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set. Allow the dessert to cool completely before cutting it into bars.
Step 7: Add a Delicious Drizzle
Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce before serving, if desired. This elevates the dessert with an extra layer of sweetness.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars
Serve these delicious bars at room temperature for the best flavor. They are perfect for a dessert table, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or alongside a rich coffee. For an elegant touch, garnish them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing them in the freezer.
Expert Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Don’t Skip the Nuts: They add a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cheesecake, decrease the amount of sugar slightly.
- Serve Chilled or at Room Temp: These bars are delightful either way, so feel free to try both!
Delicious Variations
- Nut-Free Version: Leave out the nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
- Add Spice: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, consider drizzling melted chocolate on top instead of caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, using store-bought salted caramel sauce is a wonderful time-saver and still delivers great flavor. -
How can I make these bars gluten-free?
Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crumb alternatives made from nuts or gluten-free cookies. -
What apples work best for this recipe?
Apples that are firm and slightly tart, like Granny Smith or Braeburn, work beautifully in this dish. -
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the bars a day in advance and refrigerate them until ready to serve. -
What can I serve with these bars?
They pair wonderfully with coffee, lattes, or a scoop of ice cream for a delightful dessert experience!
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars are a true crowd-pleaser, offering a lovely balance of sweetness and creaminess. With their easy prep and mouthwatering flavors, they’re destined to become a family favorite. So, gather the ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a batch of these scrumptious bars. Happy baking!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bars combining the rich creaminess of cheesecake with layers of caramel and fresh apples, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the baking dish to form a solid crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well to combine.
- Fold in the diced apples, salted caramel sauce, chopped nuts, salt, and cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Spread the apple cheesecake filling evenly over the prepared crust.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set. Allow the dessert to cool completely before cutting it into bars.
- Drizzle with additional salted caramel sauce before serving, if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
