Deliciously indulgent Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars combining creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and a crunchy topping.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:40 minutes
Total Time:2 hours 60 minutes
Yield:12 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 cup caramel sauce, divided
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup oats
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Stir in the sour cream until smooth.
Spread half of the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Evenly distribute the diced apples on top, then drizzle with half of the caramel sauce. Pour the remaining cheesecake mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it evenly.
In a separate bowl, mix the oats, chopped nuts (if using), and remaining graham cracker crumbs. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce and sprinkle the mixture over the top of the cheesecake layer.
Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt. Allow to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
For a twist, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the apple layer for extra warmth.
You can substitute the pecans or walnuts with your favorite nuts or omit them entirely for a nut-free version.