Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the tartness of fresh apples and a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with a crunchy streusel and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, they’re a perfect treat for fall or any time you crave a cozy dessert.

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. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the other layers.
3. Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
4. Step 4: Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
5. Step 5: Create the streusel topping by mixing flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using, then sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
6. Step 6: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake layer is set. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Step 7: Make the caramel sauce by combining sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns amber, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream (the mixture will bubble). Stir in butter and salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.
8. Step 8: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet cheesecake and caramel.
• For extra crunch, add chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
• Make the caramel sauce a day ahead and reheat gently before serving.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best to keep the caramel sauce separate and drizzle it over the bars just before serving. Reheat the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave before using.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute Granny Smith with other tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Avoid very sweet varieties to maintain balance in flavor.

How do I know when the cheesecake layer is fully baked?

The cheesecake is set when the edges look firm and the center has just a slight jiggle when gently shaken. It will firm up more as it chills.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

Delight in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, tender cinnamon-spiced apple topping, and a crunchy pecan streusel, all finished with a rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced in flavors and textures, this dessert is an irresistible treat for any occasion.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 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 to prepare for the crust.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
3. Bake and Cool Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes until set and fragrant. Remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the cheesecake layer.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, thoroughly mixing after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
6. Prepare the Apple Layer: In a bowl, toss the diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create a spiced fruit topping. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
7. Create Streusel Topping: Mix the all-purpose flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans if desired.
8. Top with Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the apple layer, covering it completely.
9. Bake Bars: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
10. Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
11. Make 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 syrup turns an amber color, about 8 to 10 minutes.
12. Finish Caramel Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream—the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir in unsalted butter and salt until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly to thicken.
13. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle generously with the warm caramel sauce just before serving for a decadent finish.

Notes

• Use firm Granny Smith apples for the best texture and tartness contrast.
• Chilling the bars before cutting allows cleaner slices and better flavor development.
• Be careful when adding cream to the hot caramel as it will bubble vigorously.
• Optional pecans add a nice crunch, but you can omit them to make it nut-free.
• Store leftover bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, apple bars, cheesecake bars, caramel sauce, autumn dessert, fall baking