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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar To make a great crust, you need graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar. The graham cracker crumbs give a nice, sweet crunch. Melting the butter helps bind everything together. Sugar sweetens the crust. Mix these three together well. - 2 cups cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the cheesecake filling, you will use cream cheese, powdered sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Softened cream cheese makes mixing easy. Powdered sugar adds sweetness and smoothness. You need two eggs to help set the filling. Vanilla adds a warm flavor that brings it all together. - 2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended) - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - 1 cup chopped pecans - ¼ cup caramel sauce (for drizzling) Now for the fun part! The diced apples add a crisp texture. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for this recipe. Cinnamon brings warmth and a hint of spice. Pecans add crunch and a nutty taste. Drizzling caramel sauce on top adds sweetness and makes it look pretty! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper overhanging for easy removal. 2. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until you have a sandy mixture. 3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Make sure it’s even and compact. 4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. Remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. 1. In a large bowl, beat 2 cups of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. 2. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar gradually. Mix well after each addition. Keep mixing until it’s fully combined. 3. Add the eggs one at a time. Mix on low speed just until blended. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 1. Fold in 2 cups of diced apples, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ cup of chopped pecans. Mix gently to combine. 2. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Smooth it out with a spatula. 3. Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top of the filling. 4. Bake the bars in the oven for 35-40 minutes. The edges should set, and the center will have a slight jiggle. 5. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best taste. 6. Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the overhanging parchment. Cut them into squares. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. To get smooth cream cheese, start with softened cream cheese. Use an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until it feels creamy and fluffy. This step is key for a nice texture. If the cream cheese is cold, it will stay lumpy. So, let it sit out before mixing. Chilling time matters a lot. After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature. Then, refrigerate them for at least four hours. This helps the cheesecake set well. It also makes the flavors blend better. For the best taste, chill them overnight. For a beautiful presentation, serve the bars on a nice platter. You can add extra pecans on top for a crunchy look. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm touch. Consider drizzling caramel sauce for sweetness. Pair these bars with whipped cream or ice cream. The creaminess balances the cheesecake. It makes every bite extra delightful. You can also serve them with a warm cup of coffee or tea. To avoid overbaking, watch the edges closely. They should look set while the center jiggles slightly. This means the bars are done but still creamy. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, they are ready. If it has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Adjust baking time based on your oven. Each oven acts a bit differently. Pro Tips Chill the Bars: For the best texture, make sure to chill the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting and serving. Choose the Right Apples: Using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp will add depth to the flavor. Don’t Overmix: When adding eggs, mix just until combined to prevent the cheesecake from cracking during baking. Serving Suggestions: For an extra indulgent treat, serve the bars with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream alongside the caramel drizzle. {{image_2}} You can switch apples for other fruits. Pears add a soft, sweet touch. Berries like blueberries or raspberries bring a bright flavor. Diced peaches can also work well. If you want to try dried fruits, consider raisins or dried cranberries. They add chewiness and sweetness. Just remember to adjust the sugar in your recipe if you use sweeter fruits. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Almond flour makes a great base, too. You can also use a nut crust with crushed nuts and butter. For a dairy-free version, replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative. Look for brands made from nuts or tofu. These swaps keep the bars creamy while meeting dietary needs. To boost flavor, add spices like nutmeg or cloves. Just a pinch can enhance the warmth of the cheesecake. You might also try chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Dark chocolate pairs well with the apples and pecans. Adding these flavors makes the dessert more exciting and enjoyable. To keep your apple pecan cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. If you want to extend their life, freezing is a great option. Wrap the bars in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, they stay tasty for up to three months. Apple pecan cheesecake bars last about one week in the fridge. Look for signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or changes in texture. If the bars appear dry or have mold, it’s best to throw them away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. For a warm treat, gently reheat the cheesecake bars. Use the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or until just warm. You can also use an oven set to 350°F for about 5-10 minutes. This helps keep the texture creamy. If the bars are cold from the fridge, they may need a bit more time. Enjoy them warm for a cozy dessert experience! Yes, you can! If you want to switch things up, try these options: - Oreo crust: Crush Oreo cookies and mix with melted butter. - Almond flour crust: Combine almond flour, butter, and a bit of sugar for a nutty flavor. - Shortbread crust: Use crushed shortbread cookies for a rich base. These crusts give a new taste to the bars while still being delicious. You can easily prepare these bars in advance. Here are some tips: - Make the crust: Prepare the graham cracker crust and bake it. Let it cool completely. - Prepare the filling: Make the cheesecake filling and spread it on the crust. - Chill: Cover the pan and store it in the fridge overnight. This helps the flavors meld. - Bake: Bake them the next day when you are ready. This saves time and makes serving easy. If you want to skip pecans, here are some great substitutes: - Walnuts: They have a similar texture and flavor. - Almonds: Chopped or sliced almonds add a nice crunch. - Sunflower seeds: A nut-free option that adds some crunch. These alternatives still give you a tasty dessert while meeting your needs. This blog covers making apple pecan cheesecake bars from scratch. First, you blend the crust with graham crumbs, butter, and sugar. Next, whip up the creamy filling with cream cheese, sugar, and eggs. After mixing in apples and pecans, bake until golden. You now have a tasty treat great for sharing or enjoying alone. Experiment with flavors and toppings to personalize your cheesecake. Store leftovers properly, so they stay fresh. Enjoy making this easy dessert with your favorite ingredients!

Apple Pecan Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a graham cracker crust, topped with apples and pecans.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups diced apples
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 0.25 cup caramel sauce

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan 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 pan to form an even crust layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition, until fully combined.
  • Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just blended. Stir in the vanilla extract to combine.
  • Fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, and half of the chopped pecans into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining pecans on top.
  • Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set, and the center has a slight jiggle.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
  • Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

Serve the cheesecake bars on a lovely platter, garnished with additional pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful treat!
Keyword apple, bars, cheesecake, pecan