Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake

Lift Your Spirits with This Delightful Dessert!

Oh boy, do I have a treat for you! When I first took a bite of Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake, I was instantly transported back to my childhood. It reminded me of those crisp fall days when my family would gather around for apple picking, and we’d haul home bags full of our freshly picked fruits. I remember my mom would always whip up something delicious with our loot, and that’s where my love for caramel apples began.

This cheesecake has that same sweet, buttery goodness, with a twist. It combines two of my favorite desserts into one glorious creation. I promise you, this is *not* just a cheesecake; it’s a caramel apple dream wrapped in a blondie crust. Let’s dive in and see what tasty treasures we need to craft this masterpiece!

What’s in Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake?

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted – Ah, the foundation to almost any great dessert! I like to use Kerrygold for that rich flavor.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed – This makes everything sweeter and adds that lovely caramel flavor. Who can say no to brown sugar? Not me!
• 1 large egg – The binder that pulls all our magic together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Always go for pure vanilla if you can; it makes a world of difference!
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Classic and necessary for that blondie base.
• 1/2 tsp baking powder – To give our blondie some lift.
• 1/4 tsp salt – Enhances all those sweet flavors.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened – Cream cheese makes for the silkiest cheesecake. Remember to let it sit out a bit before mixing!
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness for our cheesecake base.
• 2 large eggs – Again, another binder but also contributes to the creamy texture.
• 1 cup sour cream – Don’t skip this! It gives that cheesecake its smooth, creamy deliciousness.
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced – Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Fuji for depth of flavor.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – To sweeten those lovely apple slices.
• 1 tsp cinnamon – A warm hug of spice!
• 1 tbsp lemon juice – To keep our apples from browning and add a zing!
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling) – Because we need to take this over the top!
• Additional caramel sauce for drizzling – More is always better, right?
• Whipped cream (optional) – Because who doesn’t love a fluffy topping?
• Chopped nuts (optional) – Texture and flavor! Go for pecans or walnuts for that added crunch.

Is Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Good for You?

Now, let’s chat about the health side of this heavenly dessert. While it’s certainly not a *health food* in the traditional sense, there are some redeeming qualities. Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, and they do contain antioxidants. The cinnamon adds not only flavor but also has some potential blood sugar regulation benefits.

On the flip side, let’s remember that this cheesecake is rich! Indulge wisely. Enjoy a slice, savor the flavor, and balance it with some healthy meals throughout the day. Moderation is key, my friends!

Ingredients List

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
• Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Chopped nuts (optional)

How to Make Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake?

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and set aside.
2. Make the Blondie Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and brown sugar. Mix well until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually stir this into the butter mixture until just combined. Spread the blondie batter evenly in the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until set. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, blend in the sour cream until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled blondie base, spreading it evenly.
4. Bake the Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to avoid cracking.
5. Prepare the Apple Topping: In a medium bowl, toss the apple slices with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated. In a sauté pan over medium heat, cook the apples for 5-7 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from heat and let them cool.
6. Assemble the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake has cooled, arrange the caramel-drizzled apples over the top. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce for extra sweetness.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.
8. Serve: Before serving, drizzle more caramel sauce and top with whipped cream and chopped nuts if desired. Slice and enjoy!

Let’s Make Some Sweet Memories!

This Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake is bound to steal the show. Serve it at gatherings, watch everyone swoon, and take the spotlight as the dessert hero of the evening. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine, and I just know you’re going to love it as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with me! Happy baking!