Description
These Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cinnamon-spiced cheesecake filling and tender apple pieces. Baked to perfection and finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars offer a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cheesecake 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
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Toppings
- Caramel sauce, store-bought
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray the pan with cooking spray before lining to help the parchment paper stick. Set aside for later use.
- Make crust: In a medium bowl, mix together the melted butter, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs until well combined. Press the crust mixture evenly and firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass to create a compact layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes until it is set.
- Prepare apples: In another bowl, toss the peeled and sliced apple pieces with sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ensuring the apples are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Make cheesecake filling: Using a mixer, beat the 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 apple pieces without breaking them down too much.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour or until the cheesecake filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Cool and slice: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out by pulling the parchment paper and slice into squares.
- Add toppings and serve: Drizzle the cheesecake bars with caramel sauce and lightly sprinkle with sea salt before serving to add a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Peeling and finely slicing the apples helps them integrate better into the cheesecake filling.
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars for a few hours before cutting.
- Use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices to get clean edges.
- Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
