Happy Sunday, happy people! If all the stars align perfectly, today we will head out to pick apples. It is one of my very favorite fall traditions. We have been doing it for the last nine years or so, and something about it fills my heart with joy. Even if kids are crabby about walking, and I’m tired from lack of sleep, once we get out there it’s like all of that disappears. Magical apple trees, I love you. So! I thought it would be appropriate to give you an amazing apple recipe to make with those gorgeous red orbs. This delicious recipe comes from Christi Johnstone of Love From the Oven and her incredible book: My Little Pony Baking Book!
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars
Here is a brief overview of how these apple cheesecake bars come together. For the full recipe including all measurements and ingredients, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post. The end result is cheesecake bar perfection.
Apples For Baking
These apple cheesecake bars can be made with any kind of apple. I prefer to bake with apples that are slightly crisp and hold up well, such as Honeycrisp or Gala.
Tips and Tricks
If you don’t have a food processor: Use a pastry cutter to combine the ingredients for the crust layer and the ingredients for the crumb topping. Make sure your cream cheese is softened. To create a smooth cheesecake filling, your cream cheese must be at room temperature. Let it sit out on the counter for 30 minutes or so to do this, do not put it in the microwave. I also highly recommend using a brand name cream cheese like Philadelphia.
How to Store These Cheesecake Bars
These bars cut best if you let them completely cool first. It helps the cheesecake layer to really set and cut nicely. After you take the bars out of the oven, let them cool enough to touch the pan without hot pads. Then cover them well with aluminum foil and fridge until fully set. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, place them in a single layer in the freezer for a few hours. Then stack them and transfer to an airtight container. Return to the freezer and store for up to three months. Allow them to thaw for about 30 minutes at room temperature before eating.
Adding Caramel Sauce
I highly recommend serving these with some caramel sauce on the side. They are incredible when you turn them into caramel apple cheesecake bars. Prepare the bars as the recipe directs and drizzle with caramel just before serving. You can buy caramel sauce from the store (often found near the ice cream toppings) or make it from scratch. I have a simple caramel sauce recipe that is also perfect for dipping apples! If you make this caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe or any of my other recipes, please leave me a comment and let me know!
This Apple Pecan Fall Salad is super popular on the blog. Great for lunches or double it and bring it to a potluck. I will eat this Naked Apple Spice Cake all year long, no need to just save it for fall! And of course, you must make my Apple Carrot Zucchini Muffins. They are super popular and the kids love them.
