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Best Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Easy Recipe

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These salted caramel apple cheesecake bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a silky cheesecake layer, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a rich homemade salted caramel drizzle. They are the ultimate fall dessert, perfect for gatherings and make-ahead friendly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 16 oz (two 8-oz blocks) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (about 4 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon), plus more for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the two long sides. Lightly spray the parchment with non-stick spray.
  2. Make the shortbread crust: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Add cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse meal with some pea-sized butter lumps remaining.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
  4. Make the cheesecake layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and ½ cup sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until just combined.
  5. Prepare the apple layer: In a separate bowl, toss sliced apples with 3 tablespoons flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg until well coated.
  6. Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Arrange the apple slices evenly over the cheesecake.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. The apples should be tender and the cheesecake should look matte.
  8. Cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  9. Make the salted caramel sauce: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup sugar. Do not stir; swirl the pan occasionally until the sugar dissolves and turns a deep amber color, about 5-7 minutes.
  10. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in 6 tablespoons butter. It will bubble vigorously. Whisk until melted. Slowly pour in ½ cup heavy cream while whisking constantly. Whisk until smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then pour into a jar or bowl to cool completely.
  11. Once bars are fully chilled and set, use parchment overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Place on a cutting board. Cut into 12-16 squares, wiping the knife clean between slices. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for a smooth cheesecake layer. Do not overmix the cheesecake batter. Chill the bars completely before slicing for clean cuts. If caramel seizes, gently reheat with a tablespoon of warm water or cream.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/best-salted-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-easy-recipe/