Description

Salted Honey Pie is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors featuring a crispy graham cracker crust, creamy cinnamon-spiced cheesecake filling, and a tart apple topping finished with caramel drizzle and crunchy nuts. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a comforting bar with a sophisticated twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Apple Layer:

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

For Topping:

1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Extra caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cinnamon and nutmeg until incorporated.
Prepare the Apple Layer: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the cheesecake filling, pressing down slightly. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans or walnuts if desired.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
Ensure cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps in the filling.
Optional nuts add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free needs.
Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar (1/12th of recipe)
Calories: 360 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: Salted Honey Pie, cheesecake bars, apple dessert, caramel apple bars, fall dessert, sweet and savory pie, graham cracker crust