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Creating a visually stunning dessert is just as important as achieving a great taste, especially when it comes to Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars. For a beautiful presentation, consider these techniques for arranging your apple slices:

Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

Celebrate the flavors of fall with these mouthwatering Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars. They combine a buttery graham cracker crust, rich creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a drizzle of caramel for an irresistible treat. Perfect for sharing at autumn gatherings or holiday parties, these bars not only offer a deliciously unique taste but also elevate your dessert table. Quick to prepare, they make the ideal sweet indulgence for making lasting memories with loved ones this season.
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cheesecake layer:

16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup sour cream

For the apple topping:

2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking pan by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring there is some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

    Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix the ingredients until they are fully incorporated. Evenly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a solid crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

      Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the granulated sugar, continuing to mix until the mixture is fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Next, blend in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sour cream until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

        Assemble the Layers: Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly to cover the crust completely.

          Prepare the Apple Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the thin apple slices with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice until all the slices are well-coated. Arrange the apple slices artistically over the cheesecake layer, creating a pleasing pattern.

            Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the arranged apple slices, ensuring an even distribution across the top for a luscious finish.

              Bake: Place the assembled dessert in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cheesecake is done when it is set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.

                Cool: After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the oven for about an hour. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight is ideal for the best texture.

                  Serve: After chilling, carefully lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve chilled. For an extra indulgence, drizzle more caramel sauce over the top of each square just before serving.

                    Prep Time: 25 mins | Total Time: 5 hours | Servings: 12 bars

                      Optional Presentation Tips:

                        - Serve on a decorative platter, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts for added texture.

                          - A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with the bars.