Thanksgiving Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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What kind of recipe is it?

Thanksgiving Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and spiced apple pie, beautifully layered and topped with luscious caramel.

This dish embodies the essence of fall, making it the perfect dessert for holiday gatherings. With its rich flavors and appealing presentation, it effortlessly impresses guests while remaining easy to serve.

Aimed at dessert lovers and home bakers alike, these bars are an excellent choice for those seeking a sweet, seasonal treat that captures the warmth of Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

Notes:

• Confirm that the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• You can adjust the amount of caramel sauce depending on how decadent you like your bars.
• The optional nuts can provide added texture and flavor, but can be omitted based on personal preference.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F) and adjust the oven rack to the middle position. Prepare a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking pan by greasing it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups (150 g) of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup (100 g) of granulated sugar, and ½ cup (115 g) of melted unsalted butter. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
4. While the crust is cooling, in a large mixing bowl, beat 8 oz (227 g) of softened cream cheese using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
5. Gradually add 1 cup (120 g) of powdered sugar, followed by 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of vanilla extract, and mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
6. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just blended. Avoid overmixing to guarantee a creamy texture.
7. Incorporate 1 cup (240 ml) of sour cream, 2 cups (300 g) of diced apples, 1 teaspoon (2 g) of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon (1 g) of ground nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture. Stir gently until evenly distributed.
8. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9. Drizzle 1 cup (240 ml) of caramel sauce over the cheesecake mixture and use a knife or toothpick to swirl the caramel lightly through the batter.
10. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when shaken gently. The edges should be a light golden color and a parchment skewer should come out mostly clean.
11. Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for about 1 hour, which helps prevent cracks.
12. Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and allow them to cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
13. Once chilled, cut the bars into squares or rectangles and serve with additional caramel sauce and optional chopped nuts on top if desired.

Variations

• Pumpkin Caramel Cheesecake Bars: Substitute 1 cup (240 ml) of diced apples with 1 cup (240 g) of pumpkin puree, and add 1 teaspoon (2 g) of pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
• Gluten-Free Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free for a delicious gluten-free option.
• Vegan Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Use 400 g of silken tofu blended until smooth instead of cream cheese and substitute 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons of water) for the eggs; confirm to use vegan caramel sauce.
• Salted Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars: Add 1 cup (100 g) of chopped pecans to the cream cheese mixture and use a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel drizzle for a sweet and savory flavor combination.

Tips on plating and presentation

When it comes to plating your Thanksgiving Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, a little creativity can go a long way.

I love using colorful plates to make the bars pop. A drizzle of caramel and a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top adds visual interest.

Consider pairing each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for a beautiful, inviting presentation that guests won’t resist!

What other dishes can I pair it with?

Looking for the perfect dishes to accompany your Thanksgiving Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

I love serving them alongside a classic roasted turkey with savory stuffing and cranberry sauce.

For a lighter touch, add a fresh spinach salad topped with candied nuts and feta.

Finally, don’t forget some buttery garlic mashed potatoes—these pair beautifully with the rich flavors of the cheesecake bars!

What drinks can I pair it with?

To elevate the delightful experience of your Thanksgiving Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, I recommend pairing them with a warm spiced cider or a glass of chilled Pinot Grigio.

The sweetness of the cheesecake bars complements the light, fruity notes of the wine, while the spiced cider adds cozy autumn warmth.

Whichever drink you choose, it’ll make for a perfect festive treat!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?

Absolutely, you can make these bars gluten-free! I typically swap regular flour for a gluten-free blend and guarantee all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. It turns out delicious, and everyone enjoys them just the same!

How Long Can I Store Leftover Cheesecake Bars?

I store leftover cheesecake bars in the fridge for about five days. If I freeze them, they last up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to maintain freshness. Enjoy!

Can I Freeze the Cheesecake Bars?

Yes, you can freeze cheesecake bars! I recommend wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving, and they’ll taste almost as fresh as the first day!

What Type of Apples Work Best for This Recipe?

For this recipe, I love using Granny Smith apples because their tartness balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples also add great flavor and texture. Make sure they’re fresh for the best results!

Is There a Way to Make This Recipe Without Cream Cheese?

Yes, I’ve found alternatives to cream cheese! You can use silken tofu blended with a bit of lemon juice or cashew cream for a creamy texture. Just adjust sweetness to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting!