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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar The crust gives the bars a nice crunch. I use graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted butter and sugar. This mix forms a tasty base. Press it into a baking pan firmly for best results. Bake it for ten minutes to set before adding the next layer. - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1 tsp cinnamon The cheesecake layer is creamy and smooth. I beat softened cream cheese with sugar until it’s fluffy. Then, I add eggs, vanilla, and cinnamon. This mix creates a rich cheesecake flavor. Pour it over the crust and spread it evenly. - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced - 2 tbsp lemon juice - 1 tbsp brown sugar - ½ tsp cinnamon For the apple filling, I use two large apples. I peel, core, and dice them first. Toss the apple pieces with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This mix adds a sweet and tart flavor that complements the cheesecake. - ½ cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup rolled oats - ⅓ cup brown sugar - ½ tsp cinnamon - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted The streusel topping adds a crispy texture. I mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Then, I drizzle in melted butter and mix it until crumbly. This topping goes on last, adding a beautiful crunch. - ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) Finally, a drizzle of caramel sauce makes these bars special. You can use store-bought caramel for ease or make your own. This sweet sauce ties all the flavors together perfectly. First, you want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Mix everything until it looks like wet sand. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your lined pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool slightly. In another bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of granulated sugar until it is smooth. Add 2 large eggs, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Mix well until all the ingredients blend together. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Take 2 large apples, peel, core, and dice them. In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tbsp of lemon juice, 1 tbsp of brown sugar, and ½ tsp of cinnamon. Make sure every piece is coated well. Spoon this apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, spreading it out evenly. For the streusel topping, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of rolled oats, ⅓ cup of brown sugar, and ½ tsp of cinnamon in a bowl. Drizzle in ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter and mix until it becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this topping generously over the apple layer. Now, place your pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. The edges should turn golden, and the center should feel set. Once done, let the bars cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. After that, refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to let them set completely. To get the best crust, start with fresh graham cracker crumbs. Mix them with melted butter and granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly into your baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to make it even. Bake it for 10 minutes at 350°F. Let it cool slightly before adding the cheesecake layer. This step sets a solid base for your bars. Mixing your cheesecake layer gently is key to a smooth texture. Beat the cream cheese until soft first. Then, add sugar and mix until there are no lumps. Adding eggs one at a time helps, too. Overmixing can add air, which leads to cracks. Bake the cheesecake layer until it is just set in the middle. This ensures a creamy, crack-free result. Be sure to coat your diced apples evenly with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. This not only adds flavor but also helps keep the apples from browning. When you spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake, spread it out gently. Aim for even coverage. This way, every bite will have a taste of delicious apples. For a delightful presentation, cut the bars into squares. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each piece. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on the side. These treats are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Enjoying them fresh from the fridge gives a tasty contrast to the warm caramel. {{image_2}} You can make these bars gluten-free by using a few simple swaps. Instead of graham cracker crumbs, use gluten-free cookies or almond flour. For the streusel, replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This keeps the taste while meeting dietary needs. While apples are the star, feel free to mix it up. Pears, peaches, or berries can also work well. Use the same amount of diced fruit in the filling. Each fruit adds its own flavor, making the bars unique. Adding spices or extracts can boost flavor. Consider nutmeg, ginger, or even cardamom for warmth. You can also add a splash of maple or almond extract to the cheesecake mix. These small changes can create a new twist on a classic. To keep your leftover caramel apple streusel cheesecake bars fresh, wrap them well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to cover them tightly. You can also place them in an airtight container. This way, they stay moist and tasty in the fridge for up to five days. If you want to save them longer, freeze the bars. First, cut them into squares. Then, wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover bars, you can reheat them. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. This method brings back their creamy texture. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat each bar for about 15-20 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat, as this can make them too soft. These cheesecake bars are best when fresh, but they can last. In the fridge, they stay good for five days. If you freeze them, they will stay fresh for three months. However, for the best taste and texture, try to eat them within a month. Enjoying them sooner means you get the best caramel and apple flavor! Yes, you can use a pre-made crust. It saves time and makes baking easy. Store-bought graham cracker crusts work well. Just check the size to fit your pan. This option gives you a tasty base without the extra work. To cut cheesecake bars, use a sharp knife. Dip the knife in warm water before each cut. Wipe it clean after each slice to keep edges neat. This method gives you clean, even pieces. It helps the bars look great for serving. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Prepare and bake them, then cool completely. Store in the fridge for up to three days. They taste great chilled and are ready to serve. Just drizzle the caramel just before serving for freshness. Serve caramel sauce on the side or drizzle it on top. Warm the sauce for a nice touch. You can use homemade or store-bought caramel. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the flavor. This makes each bite even more delicious. This recipe guide walks you through making delicious cheesecake bars with apple filling. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips to ensure success. The variations cater to different dietary needs and preferences. Storing and reheating tips help you enjoy your bars longer. Remember, baking is an adventure. Use this guide to create a treat that everyone loves. Enjoy the process and savor every bite of your creation!

Caramel Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars! These mouthwatering treats combine cream cheese, fresh apples, and a buttery streusel topping for a perfect dessert. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can impress your friends and family. Ready to create these heavenly bars? Click through to explore the full recipe and get baking today! Enjoy the sweet taste of fall in every bite!
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

For the apple filling:

2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced

2 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp brown sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

For the streusel topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup rolled oats

⅓ cup brown sugar

½ tsp cinnamon

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the caramel sauce:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    Make the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

      Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and mix until fully incorporated. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it into an even layer.

        Make the Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well coated. Spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, spreading it evenly.

          Prepare the Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Drizzle in melted butter and mix until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel mixture over the apple layer generously.

            Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.

              Serve with Caramel: Once cooled and set, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time) | Servings: 12 bars