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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Top with remaining cheesecake batter: Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
