Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the best flavors of fall into one decadent dessert. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, a crumbly streusel topping, and rich caramel sauce, they are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Make the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon in a bowl. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
3. Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
4. Step 4: Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
5. Step 5: For the streusel topping, mix flour and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the apple layer.
6. Step 6: Bake the bars for 45-50 minutes until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set. Let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Step 7: Make the caramel sauce by combining 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/4 cup water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until amber in color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream (it will bubble). Stir in butter and salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.
8. Step 8: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with the warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast, but feel free to swap with your favorite baking apples.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans from the streusel topping.
• Allow the caramel sauce to cool a bit before drizzling to prevent it from soaking into the bars too much.
• Chilling the bars overnight enhances flavors and makes cutting cleaner.

Storage

Store the caramel apple cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slightly before serving if desired, but they are also delicious cold. Keep the caramel sauce separate and warm it gently before drizzling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, these bars keep well in the refrigerator and taste even better after a few hours or overnight chilling. Just store them covered and add the caramel sauce before serving.

Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely. Freeze cut bars in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving and warm the caramel sauce separately.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 62 reviews

Delight in these decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, and a crunchy pecan streusel. Finished with a luscious homemade caramel sauce drizzle, these bars combine comforting fall flavors into one irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Cheesecake Layer

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

Apple Topping

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars later.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
3. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
4. Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust and spread it out with a spatula.
5. Make Apple Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
6. Create Streusel Topping: Combine the flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in the chopped pecans if you choose to use them. Sprinkle this streusel mixture evenly over the apple topping.
7. Bake the Bars: Place the assembled pan back into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and the cheesecake set. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating.
8. Chill: Refrigerate the cooled bars for at least 2 hours to fully set and develop flavors.
9. Make Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream—the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir in the butter and salt until smooth. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before serving.
10. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares. Drizzle each bar generously with the warm caramel sauce just before serving for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel.
• Chilling the bars is essential for clean cutting and better flavor development.
• Be cautious when adding cream to caramel, as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
• Streusel can be made nut-free by omitting pecans if desired.
• These bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Keywords: caramel apple, cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple dessert, cream cheese bars, homemade caramel sauce, pecan streusel