Description
These Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake, all on a buttery graham cracker crust. Featuring spiced apple pieces folded into smooth cheesecake filling, then baked to perfection and finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars are a delightful dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For Crust:
- 6 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese (at room temperature)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Apples:
- 2 large apples (peeled, cored, and sliced into small pieces)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Optional Toppings:
- Caramel sauce (store-bought)
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Heat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, spraying the pan with cooking spray first to help the parchment stick. Set aside.
- Make crust: In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass for a thin, compact layer. Bake for 10 minutes until set.
- Prepare apples: In another bowl, mix peeled and sliced apples with sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, coating the apple pieces evenly.
- Make cheesecake filling: In the bowl of a mixer, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed for at least 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the spiced apples to combine without breaking down the apples.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour or until the filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Cool and slice: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Slice into squares.
- Add toppings and serve: Drizzle bars with caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with sea salt for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Storage (Refrigeration): These bars will keep in the fridge up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped.
- Storage (Freezing): Freeze cooled bars uncovered on a baking sheet until solid, then wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; stored this way, they last up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (about 1/9 of pan)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
