Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars (Printable Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - 6 tablespoons butter, melted
02 - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
03 - 3 tablespoons sugar
04 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Cheesecake Filling

05 - 16 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
06 - 3 large eggs
07 - ¼ cup sugar
08 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Apples

09 - 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into small pieces
10 - ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - 3 tablespoons sugar

→ Optional Toppings

12 - Caramel sauce (store-bought recommended)
13 - Sea salt

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, spraying the pan first with cooking spray to help the paper adhere. Set aside.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press it evenly using the bottom of a glass for a thin, compact layer. Bake for 10 minutes.
03 - In a separate medium bowl, mix the apple slices with sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
04 - In a stand mixer bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold in the prepared apple mixture.
05 - Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust in the pan. Use a spatula to level the mixture evenly.
06 - Bake the assembled bars uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the cheesecake filling is set. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
07 - Once cooled, slice the cheesecake bars into squares. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

# Helpful Notes:

01 - These cheesecake bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
02 - To freeze, fully cool the bars and place them uncovered on a pan in the freezer until firm. Wrap them in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to store for up to 3 months.