Easy caramel apple bars are like salted caramel apples, but in cheesecake form. Simple, sliceable, and great for entertaining a crowd.
Prep Time20 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time40 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Keyword: apple dessert, easy dessert recipe, fall recipe
Servings: 16bars
Author: Jess Smith via Inquiring Chef
Cost: $10.00
Equipment
Saucepan
8x8 baking pan
Food Processor
Ingredients
For the topping:
3cupsapple cider
1cuppacked light brown sugar
1stickcinnamon
2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature(be sure to use block cream cheese, not the kind in a tub)
2large eggs
1/3cupcaramel syrup, store-bought or homemade(optional)
For the crust:
2cupsgingersnap cookie crumbs(200 grams; see note)
1/4teaspoonground cinnamon
1/2teaspoonkosher salt
6tablespoonsunsalted 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).