Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate cozy treat, combining a buttery graham cracker crust with a velvety cream cheese filling and spiced apple topping. Finished with a crunchy pecan strudel and a decadent drizzle of caramel, these elegant squares are perfect for gatherings. They offer the classic flavors of apple pie and cheesecake in a convenient, shareable format that is forgiving to bake and tastes even better after chilling.
Ingredients
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
10.5 oz apple pie filling
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes and let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time and stir in the vanilla extract until combined.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the partially baked crust.
Fold cinnamon into the apple pie filling and spoon over the cheesecake layer.
Top with chopped pecans and bake for 35-40 minutes until edges are set.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing into squares.
Notes
Chill the bars overnight for the cleanest cuts. Use a hot, clean knife to slice. You can substitute the pecans with rolled oats for a nut-free strudel.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg