_Sips coffee while typing_
Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this absolutely divine recipe that’s been making everyone in my house fight over the last bite! It’s my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, and honey, they’re so good they’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance! 💃
Listen, we all need that perfect afternoon pick-me-up that makes us feel fancy without spending hours in the kitchen. These bars are literally what dreams are made of – a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. _chef’s kiss_
Before we dive in, don’t forget to follow me on Newsbreak for more mouthwatering recipes that’ll make your family think you’ve secretly enrolled in culinary school! 😉
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the crust:
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 crackers)
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 1/4 cup sugar
(Trust me on these measurements, I’ve tested this recipe more times than I’ve tried to fold a fitted sheet!)
For the filling:
– 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
(Pro tip: Leave that cream cheese out for at least 2 hours – nobody wants lumpy cheesecake!)
For the apple topping:
– 3 medium apples, peeled and diced
– 2 tbsp butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Now, let’s get cooking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (like my mood when someone touches my baking supplies 😤).
1. Mix those graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press into a 9×13 baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes and let it cool.
1. Beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth as silk (or your favorite face cream). Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Pour over the crust.
1. In a skillet, sauté those apples with butter, brown sugar, and spices until they’re tender but still have some bite. Spoon over the cheesecake mixture.
1. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is almost set. Y’all, don’t overbake – we want creamy, not cracked!
1. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (I know it’s hard to wait, but patience is a virtue!).
Can we talk about how amazing your kitchen smells right now? While you’re waiting for these babies to cool, why not drop a comment below and tell me what other recipes you’d love to see? Your girl’s got a whole recipe box full of treasures waiting to be shared!
The best part? These bars can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days (if they last that long – mine usually disappear faster than my motivation to go to the gym 😅).
If you’re loving this recipe as much as I do, make sure to follow me on Newsbreak for daily recipes that’ll make your family think you’ve been secretly taking cooking classes! And pretty please, drop a comment below – I’d love to hear how these turned out for you! Did you add your own twist? Did your kids lick the plate clean? Spill the tea, honey!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got another batch calling my name in the kitchen. Happy baking, sweeties! 🍎✨
