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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
