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Cozy Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Easy Fall Dessert

Salted caramel apple cheesecake bars - featured image
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These salted caramel apple cheesecake bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake layer, tender spiced apples, and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel. They’re the perfect easy fall dessert for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190 grams)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (113 grams, 1 stick)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce blocks)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16 grams)
  • 3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (about 450 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8 grams)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (113 grams, 1 stick)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (200 grams)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
  3. Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, until the edges are just starting to turn golden. Set aside to cool.
  4. Prepare the apples: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon flour. Let sit while you make the cheesecake batter.
  5. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add ½ cup sugar and beat until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract. Beat in 2 tablespoons flour just until incorporated.
  6. Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Arrange the sliced apples on top of the cheesecake layer in an even pattern.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. If the top starts browning too quickly, tent loosely with foil after 25 minutes. Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
  8. Make the salted caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup butter. Stir in 1 cup brown sugar and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in ½ cup heavy cream. Continue stirring for another minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt. Let cool slightly.
  9. Once the bars are fully chilled and set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 9 or 16 squares. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with a little extra flaky sea salt. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

For clean slices, chill bars thoroughly and use a hot knife wiped clean between cuts. Bars taste even better on day two. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Add caramel drizzle just before serving for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel apple cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple cheesecake bars, easy cheesecake bars, apple dessert, caramel apple bars

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/cozy-salted-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-easy-fall-dessert/