Caramel Apple Pecan Cheesecake Bars

1. 🍎 Caramel Apple Pecan Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafer crumbs
• ½ cup finely chopped pecans
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake layer:

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the apple layer:

• 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, diced)
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the topping:

• ½ cup white chocolate chips or white chocolate bark (for drizzle)
• 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip
• 8-10 whole pecans (for garnish)
• Crushed pecans or streusel for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust:
   • Combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl.
   • Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
   • Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
3. Prepare cheesecake layer:
   • Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
   • Add vanilla and eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
   • Spread the mixture evenly over the crust.
4. Prepare apple layer:
   • In a skillet, sauté apples in butter for 5–6 minutes until tender.
   • Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 2 more minutes.
   • Spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
5. Bake:
   • Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is just set.
   • Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight).
6. Decorate:
   • Once chilled and set, slice into squares.
   • Drizzle with melted white chocolate.
   • Pipe or spoon whipped cream on top of each square.
   • Garnish with a whole pecan and sprinkle with crushed pecans or streusel.

Optional:

• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top for a salted caramel twist.