Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with tender apples and rich caramel for a delightful fall-inspired treat. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a special dessert any time of year.

Two square dessert bars are stacked on top of each other, each showing four layers: at the bottom, a crumbly, light brown crust; above that, a thick, creamy white cheesecake layer; then a smooth, light yellow caramel-like layer; and on top, a crumbly, golden-brown streusel. Thick, shiny caramel sauce drips down the sides, adding a sticky texture and rich amber color. They sit on a white marbled surface with a soft-focus background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Start by preparing the graham cracker crust. Combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
  4. Step 4: Layer the sliced apples over the cream cheese layer and drizzle caramel sauce on top of the apples.
  5. Step 5: Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it to cover the entire pan evenly.
  6. Step 6: Bake the bars in a preheated oven until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden, about 30-35 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool completely, then chill them in the refrigerator for a few hours to set properly.
  8. Step 8: Once chilled, slice the bars into squares and drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet caramel and cheesecake.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel before adding the final cream cheese layer.
  • Substitute store-bought caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a richer flavor.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly at room temperature or enjoy chilled. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly and thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Two square cheesecake bars are stacked on top of each other on a white marbled surface. Each bar has four layers: the bottom is a thick, crumbly brown crust; above it is a thick, smooth white cream cheese layer; followed by a medium-thick light golden caramel or apple filling; and the top layer is a crumbly streusel with a mix of light beige and golden colors. Glossy caramel sauce drips generously over the top and down the sides of both bars, adding shine and richness to the texture. The background is softly blurred, keeping the focus on the bars. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes, you can substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed digestive biscuits or even a shortbread crust for a different flavor and texture.

How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid. The top should be lightly golden.

Print
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling layered with fresh apple slices and luscious caramel sauce. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these bars offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

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

Toppings

  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to form the crust layer.
  2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  3. Layer first cream cheese mixture: Pour half of the cream cheese filling over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly to create an even layer.
  4. Add apples and caramel: Arrange the sliced apples over the cream cheese layer and drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apples to add sweetness and moisture.
  5. Add the remaining cheesecake filling: Pour the rest of the cream cheese mixture gently over the apple and caramel layers, spreading it to cover everything completely.
  6. Bake: Place the baking pan in a preheated oven and bake until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden, approximately 35-40 minutes.
  7. Cool and chill: Once baked, allow the bars to cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for a few hours to let the cheesecake set completely for easier slicing.
  8. Serve: Slice the chilled cheesecake into bars or squares and drizzle additional caramel sauce over each serving before enjoying.

Notes

  • For best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture after baking.
  • Allow the cream cheese to soften to room temperature before mixing for a smoother filling.
  • Make sure to press the crust firmly to avoid crumbling when serving.
  • Chilling the bars is important to help the cheesecake set and to improve slicing.
  • Extra caramel sauce can be warmed slightly before drizzling for a more fluid consistency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, cheesecake bars, caramel dessert, apple dessert, graham cracker crust

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