Indulge in the ultimate fall treat with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! A luscious, creamy cheesecake layer is nestled between a buttery graham cracker crust and a crown of warm, spiced apples swimming in a rich caramel sauce. This decadent dessert is the perfect marriage of classic cheesecake and the cozy flavors of autumn.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Imagine taking a bite and being transported to a cozy autumn day, with the flavors of crisp apples, warm cinnamon, and velvety caramel dancing on your taste buds. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate comfort food, combining the indulgence of cheesecake with the classic charm of a homemade apple pie. The creamy, lush cheesecake layer provides a perfect contrast to the golden, crispy crust and the juicy, zesty apple topping. Whether you’re enjoying them with family, bringing them to a potluck, or treating yourself to an indulgent dessert, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars include graham crackers, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, apples, cinnamon, and caramel sauce. Together, they create a harmonious blend of flavors that will have you reaching for another bite.
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) – Graham cracker crumbs
- 4 (32oz) – Packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) – Granulated sugar
- 4 – Large eggs
- 2 tsp – Vanilla extract
Ingredient Substitutions
- Graham Crackers: Crushed cookies or a pre-made pie crust (for a different texture)
- Apples: Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples (your favorite variety)
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Follow these chef-tested steps for reliable results:
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and preparing the graham cracker crust. Crush the graham crackers and mix them with 6 tablespoons of melted butter, then press the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking pan to create a firm, golden base.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, prepare the creamy cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add in 1 1/2 cups of sugar, mixing until well combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Now, it’s time to add the caramel apple topping. Peel, core, and slice 6-8 apples, then toss them with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and a 1/2 cup of caramel sauce. Arrange the apple slices in a decorative pattern over the cheesecake layer. Bake the bars for 55-65 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the apples are tender and golden.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once the bars have cooled, drizzle them with the remaining 1/2 cup of caramel sauce and let it drip down the sides, creating a luscious, gooey finish. For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Crust Variation: Swap the graham cracker crust for an Oreo cookie base
- Fruit Twist: Use a combination of apples and pears for a delightful twist
- Spice it Up: Add a touch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple topping
- Creamier Texture: Add a layer of caramel sauce between the cheesecake and the apple topping
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of extra caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
Storage: These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheat: If you want to enjoy the bars warm, simply reheat them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
Make-Ahead: These bars can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them the perfect dessert for your next gathering or holiday celebration.
Nutrition Information
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a decadent treat, but they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with a good amount of protein from the cream cheese and a touch of fiber from the apples. As with any indulgent dessert, be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy these bars as a special treat.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 6 g
- Carbs: 44 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them the perfect dessert for your next gathering or holiday celebration.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, feel free to experiment with your favorite apple varieties. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji are all excellent choices that will complement the creamy cheesecake and caramel flavors.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
To avoid cracks in your cheesecake layer, be sure not to overmix the batter and bake the bars in a water bath, or “bain-marie.” This helps the cheesecake bake gently and evenly.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, you can freeze these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
For clean, even slices, use a sharp knife and run it under hot water before each cut. Wipe the knife clean between slices to prevent the caramel from sticking.
Try These Next
- Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
- Caramel Apple Bacon Waffles With Maple Drizzle
- Sweet Savory Mashups
Irresistible Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delicious fusion of creamy cheesecake and sweet, tart apples topped with gooey caramel. Perfect for fall gatherings or a sweet treat any time of the year!
Ingredients
For the crust:
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ⅓ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake filling:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 tsp cinnamon
For the caramel topping:
– 1 cup caramel sauce
– Sea salt, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
4. In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Fold in the chopped apples and cinnamon until evenly distributed.
7. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread it evenly.
8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.
9. Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
10. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
11.
Notes
– These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Feel free to substitute different types of apples based on your preference.
– For added flavor, try incorporating nuts or using a different type of cookie for the crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cheesecake, caramel, apple, dessert, bars