Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy flavors of spiced apples. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you want a decadent, comforting dessert that’s easy to share.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting later.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until evenly combined.
3. Step 3: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
4. Step 4: Ensure the cream cheese, sugar, and eggs are at room temperature. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
5. Step 5: Gradually beat in the granulated sugar until creamy, then mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Step 6: Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until each is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture smooth.
7. Step 7: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
8. Step 8: In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Mix thoroughly to coat the apples evenly.
9. Step 9: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
10. Step 10: Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble when gently shaken.
11. Step 11: Remove from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. Then cover loosely and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until fully set.
12. Step 12: Use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into portions with a sharp knife, wiping the knife between slices for clean edges. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that complements the creamy cheesecake.
• For an extra caramel touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving.
• Swap the graham cracker crust for a gingersnap crust for added spice.
• Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.

Storage

Store these cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best texture and flavor, let them come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use different varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp, but tart apples such as Granny Smith provide the best contrast to the sweet filling.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Be careful not to overmix the eggs into the cream cheese mixture and bake at the recommended temperature. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking to keep the temperature stable.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling topped with a spiced, tender apple mixture for a deliciously layered dessert perfect for fall or any occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Topping

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

1. Prepare Pan & Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined.
3. Bake Crust: Press the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, then remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
4. Prepare Cheesecake Filling: Make sure the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and eggs are at room temperature. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and fluffy.
5. Add Sugar & Vanilla: Gradually beat in granulated sugar until creamy, then mix in vanilla extract for flavor.
6. Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until each egg is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a smooth texture.
7. Pour Filling: Carefully pour the cheesecake filling over the slightly cooled crust and spread evenly to the edges of the pan.
8. Prepare Apple Topping: In a separate bowl, combine diced Granny Smith apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and all-purpose flour. Mix thoroughly to coat the apples well.
9. Add Apple Topping: Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer to create a spiced apple topping.
10. Bake Bars: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble when gently shaken.
11. Cool & Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack for 1-2 hours. Then cover loosely and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight until fully set.
12. Slice & Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into individual portions with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean slices. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing for the smoothest filling.
• Parchment paper makes it easy to lift bars out of the pan.
• Use Granny Smith apples for tartness that balances the sweetness.
• Do not overmix the cheesecake batter to avoid cracking or dense texture.
• Chilling the bars overnight improves the flavor and texture.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple cheesecake bars, caramel cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple dessert bars, creamy cheesecake bars