Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of fresh apples and buttery caramel. These bars make a perfect dessert for autumn or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Make the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the other layers.
4. Step 4: For the cheesecake layer, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract, then pour the mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
5. Step 5: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
6. Step 6: To make the streusel topping, mix flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using, then sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
7. Step 7: Bake the assembled bars for 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set.
8. Step 8: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
9. Step 9: Prepare the caramel sauce by combining sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns amber, about 8-10 minutes.
10. Step 10: Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream (it will bubble). Stir in butter and salt until smooth, then let the caramel cool slightly.
11. Step 11: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with the caramel sauce before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans in the streusel topping.
• Chill the cream cheese thoroughly for an even smoother cheesecake layer.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple mixture for additional warm spice notes.

Storage

Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave if desired, or enjoy them chilled with the caramel sauce freshly drizzled on top.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use other firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji, but avoid very soft varieties as they may release too much juice and make the bars soggy.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?

Make sure to drizzle the caramel sauce over the bars just before serving. If stored separately and reheated gently, it will stay smooth and pourable.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 444 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese layer, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy pecan streusel topping, all drizzled with a rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect as a delicious fall dessert or a sweet treat anytime.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Cheesecake Layer

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Layer

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
3. Bake crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool while you prepare the other layers.
4. Prepare cheesecake layer: Using a mixer, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Assemble cheesecake layer: Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it out gently.
6. Prepare apple layer: In a separate bowl, toss peeled and diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
7. Create streusel topping: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold cubed butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using.
8. Add streusel topping: Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the apple layer to create a crunchy topping.
9. Bake the bars: Place the assembled pan back into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
10. Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to firm up before cutting.
11. Make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat carefully and whisk in heavy cream; the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir in butter and salt until the caramel sauce is smooth. Allow it to cool slightly.
12. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle generously with the homemade caramel sauce before serving for an extra decadent touch.

Notes

• For best results, use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth cheesecake layer.
• Chilling the bars for at least 2 hours helps the bars set properly and makes slicing easier.
• Pecans in the streusel are optional but add a wonderful crunch and flavor.
• Store leftover bars in the refrigerator sealed in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• You can substitute Granny Smith apples with other tart apple varieties if preferred.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, Apple Dessert Bars, Cheesecake Bars, Fall Dessert, Caramel Sauce, Apple Streusel Bars