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5 from 1 vote

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Easy caramel apple bars are like salted caramel apples, but in cheesecake form. Simple, sliceable, and great for entertaining a crowd.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dessert
Keyword: apple dessert, easy dessert recipe, fall recipe
Servings: 16 bars
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $10.00

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • 8x8 baking pan
  • Food Processor

Ingredients

For the topping:

  • 3 cups apple cider
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 stick cinnamon
  • 2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature (be sure to use block cream cheese, not the kind in a tub)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup caramel syrup, store-bought or homemade (optional)

For the crust:

  • 2 cups gingersnap cookie crumbs (200 grams; see note)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • In a small saucepan, boil cider, sugar, and cinnamon stick until the mixture is thick and syrupy and reduces to about 3/4 cup. This should take about 10 minutes. Let the syrup cool completely. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
  • While the syrup cools, line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
  • In a food processor, pulse together the gingersnap cookies.
  • Stir together the cookie crumbs, ground cinnamon, and salt. Fold in the melted butter. Gently press the crumb crust the bottom of the pan.
  • In the bowl of a food processor combine the cream cheese and cider syrup. Blend until smooth. Add the eggs and blend just until evenly combined and smooth.
  • Pour the filling over the crust.
  • Bake until the top is golden brown and the filling is set, 20-25 minutes.
  • Allow to cool completely before slicing and serving. Drizzle with some caramel syrup right before serving.

Notes

Gingersnap Cookie Crumbs - I like to use store-bought gingersnap cookies that I pulse in a food processor until they resemble sand. You can also use graham crackers or buy pre-made graham cracker crumbs (available in the baking aisle).

Nutrition

Calories: 192kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 144mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 126IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg