Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, comforting flavors of apples and caramel. Perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a deliciously satisfying dessert.

Two stacked dessert squares sit close together on a white marbled surface, each with three visible layers: a crumbly brown base, a thick white creamy middle, and a golden crumbly topping. Glossy caramel sauce drips down the sides and over the crumbly top, adding a shiny contrast to the soft textures. The layers are distinct and even, with the dessert looking rich and moist. A blurred background shows more squares in soft light. 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: Preheat your oven and prepare the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Pour half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the sliced apples over the cream cheese layer and drizzle with caramel sauce.
  5. Step 5: Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it to cover the entire pan.
  6. Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven until the cheesecake is set and the top turns lightly golden.
  7. Step 7: Allow the bars to cool, then refrigerate for a few hours to fully set before slicing.
  8. Step 8: Cut into squares and serve with an extra drizzle of caramel sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweet caramel and cheesecake layers.
  • For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts over the apples before adding the remaining cream cheese layer.
  • You can make your own caramel sauce or use a store-bought one for convenience.

Storage

Store these cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best flavor and texture, reheat slightly in the microwave or enjoy chilled. They also freeze well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows two dessert bars stacked on top of each other, each bar has four visible layers: a crumbly, light brown base layer with a rough texture, a thick smooth white layer resembling cream cheese, a thin golden yellow layer above it, and a top crumbly layer similar in color and texture to the base. Rich caramel sauce is drizzled generously over both bars, flowing down the sides in shiny, smooth streams. The bars rest on a white marbled surface, with a blurred background that hints at more 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 can I prevent the apples from browning?

To keep sliced apples from browning, toss them briefly in lemon juice before layering them on the cheesecake.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling layered with fresh apple slices and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfectly baked for a lightly golden top, these bars are an irresistible dessert that balances sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors with the comforting taste of caramel and apples.


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

Apple Layer

  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce, divided

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a mixing bowl until the mixture is well blended. Press this evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to form a firm crust.
  2. Make the cheesecake batter: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  3. Layer the first half of cheesecake mixture: Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly using a spatula to create a smooth layer.
  4. Add apple slices and caramel: Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the cheesecake layer, then drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples to add a rich, sweet flavor.
  5. Top with remaining cheesecake batter: Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
  6. Bake the bars: Place the baking pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden brown.
  7. Cool and chill: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the cheesecake firm up.
  8. Slice and serve: Cut the chilled cheesecake into bars or squares and drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top before serving for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the batter.
  • For easier slicing, chill the bars thoroughly before cutting.
  • You can substitute homemade caramel sauce or store-bought for convenience.
  • Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, caramel apple dessert, graham cracker crust, baked cheesecake bars

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating