Ingredients
For the crust:
•1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 graham crackers)
•¼ cup granulated sugar
•½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
•2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
•1 cup powdered sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
For the apple topping:
•2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well), peeled and diced
•2 tbsp unsalted butter
•1 tbsp brown sugar
•½ tsp ground cinnamon
•Pinch of salt
For the caramel drizzle:
•½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
For the crust:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar.
- Add the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy removal.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
For the cheesecake filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set.
For the apple topping:
- In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and become slightly caramelized.
- Remove from heat and allow the apple mixture to cool slightly.
To assemble:
- Once the cheesecake has set, remove the bars from the refrigerator and top with the cooked apples.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the apples.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes