Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars

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Prepare to indulge in the ultimate dessert that combines creamy cheesecake, tender apple blondie bars, and a luscious caramel drizzle! These Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you’re craving a comforting yet impressive treat. With layers of textures and flavors, this dessert will quickly become a favorite.

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Ingredients

For the Blondie Dough:

• 2 cups sugar
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup oil (vegetable or any preferred type)
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free, such as Cup4Cup)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 cups Golden Delicious apples, peeled and diced (about 2 large or 3 small apples)
• ½ cup chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts
• ½ cup butterscotch chips (check for gluten-free options if needed)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

• Caramel ice cream topping, for drizzling

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Offset spatula
• Hand mixer

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

2. Prepare the Blondie Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and oil until well combined.
2. Stir in the flour, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. The mixture will be thick, resembling cookie dough.
3. Fold in the diced apples, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts. You may need to use your hands to knead everything together.
4. Reserve 2 cups of the dough and set it aside for the topping.
5. Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking dish.

3. Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract.
2. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and lump-free.
3. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the blondie dough in the baking dish. Smooth it out using an offset spatula.

4. Add the Topping

• Using a small spoon, dollop the reserved blondie dough over the cheesecake layer. Don’t worry if some of the cheesecake filling remains visible.

5. Bake

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 50–55 minutes (add 5 extra minutes if using gluten-free flour).
• If the top begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
• Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; the apple dough should be cooked through.

6. Cool and Add Caramel

• Let the bars cool in the dish for about 15 minutes.
• Drizzle the caramel topping over the cooled bars for a finishing touch.

Flavor and Texture Highlights

Flavors:

• The warm spice of cinnamon pairs beautifully with the sweet and tart apples.
• The cheesecake layer adds a creamy tang, balancing the rich blondie base.
• Butterscotch chips and caramel topping add a deep, buttery sweetness.

Textures:

• Soft and chewy blondie layers cradle the smooth, velvety cheesecake filling.
• The diced apples provide bursts of juiciness, while the nuts add a delightful crunch.

Tips for Success

1. Use the Right Apples:
   • Golden Delicious apples are ideal for their balance of sweetness and firmness. However, you can substitute with Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for more tartness.
2. Prevent Over-Browning:
   • Keep an eye on the top during baking. Use a foil tent if necessary to avoid over-browning.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients:
   • Make sure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth cheesecake layer.
4. Gluten-Free Option:
   • Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend like Cup4Cup to accommodate dietary needs.

Variations

Apple Pie Twist

• Add a teaspoon of apple pie spice to the blondie batter for a spicier flavor.

Chocolate Lovers’ Version

• Substitute the butterscotch chips with white or milk chocolate chips.

Salted Caramel Delight

• Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle for a salted caramel flavor profile.

Cran-Apple Bars

• Add dried cranberries to the blondie dough for a tart contrast.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
• Pair with a hot cup of coffee or cider for a cozy dessert experience.
• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

1. Refrigeration:
   • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
2. Freezing:
   • These bars freeze well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Make Ahead:
   • Bake the bars a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the caramel drizzle just before serving for freshness.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

These Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate autumn dessert. They combine the best elements of apple pie, blondies, and cheesecake into a single decadent treat. Perfect for potlucks, holiday dinners, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.