Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Delightful and Simple

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 0.75 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 cups caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
• 0.5 cups chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix until well combined and resembling wet sand.
3. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¾ cup of sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the vanilla extract, followed by the eggs, one at a time, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Fold in the diced apples, ground cinnamon, and chopped nuts (if using) into the cream cheese mixture until evenly dispersed.
6. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the ½ cup of caramel sauce over the top and use a knife or toothpick to swirl it through the cheesecake filling for a marbled effect.
7. Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly (it will firm up as it cools).
8. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
9. Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into bars. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top before serving.