Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

Creamy cheesecake melds with tender apples and swirls of caramel atop a crunchy graham cracker crust—these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are perfect for autumn gatherings or anytime dessert indulgence. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, they bring the best of fall flavors to your table.

Ingredients

• Crust:
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Filling:
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined.
5. Step 5: Gently fold the diced apples and cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture, being careful not to overmix to keep the apple texture.
6. Step 6: Pour the filling over the crust in the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the filling and swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
8. Step 8: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid.
9. Step 9: Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set properly.
10. Step 10: Slice into bars with a sharp knife and serve chilled, optionally drizzled with extra caramel sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the crust gluten-free.
• Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar or Stevia for a sugar alternative.
• Swap cream cheese and butter for vegan alternatives and use flaxseed mixed with water instead of eggs to make it dairy-free and egg-free.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the filling for extra warmth and spice.
• Top with toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
• Try swirling melted chocolate atop the caramel for a rich chocolate variation.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. For a warm treat, microwave a bar for 15–20 seconds, but avoid overheating to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What if the bars don’t set properly?

Your bars might have had too much moisture or were underbaked. Even if slightly underbaked, they will still taste delicious. Ensure you bake until the edges are set and the center is only slightly jiggly.

Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make these bars 1-2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 58 reviews

Creamy cheesecake melds with tender apples and swirls of caramel atop a crunchy graham cracker crust—perfect for autumn gatherings or anytime dessert indulgence.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted

Filling

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Prep Your Workspace and Ingredients: Before you get started, make sure your kitchen is tidy and organized. Gather all your ingredients and tools including a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, an electric mixer or whisk, a spatula, and a greased 9×9 inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the Base or Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well-coated and resembling wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased baking pan to form the crust.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined.
4. Fold in Apples and Cinnamon: Gently fold in the diced apples and cinnamon into the cream cheese filling. Be careful not to over-mix to maintain apple texture.
5. Combine Filling and Crust: Pour the apple-infused cream cheese filling over the crust in the pan and spread evenly with a spatula.
6. Drizzle Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to swirl it into the cheesecake mixture for a marbled effect without fully combining.
7. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The top will be lightly golden and firm to touch.
8. Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set properly before slicing.
9. Slicing: Use a sharp knife to slice the cheesecake into neat bars.
10. Enjoy: Serve chilled with optional extra caramel sauce drizzled on top for added sweetness.

Notes

• Letting the bars chill thoroughly ensures clean slices.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freeze tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before serving.
• Avoid overmixing the filling to prevent cracks and maintain texture.
• Underbaking slightly is okay, aim for set edges and a slightly jiggly center.
• Try adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra spice kick.
• Using a food processor for the crust may yield a finer texture.
• Top with toasted nuts for additional crunch if desired.

Keywords: Apple, Bars, caramel, Cheesecake, Fall