Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate autumn treat: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Imagine all the cozy, spiced flavor of a classic apple pie combined with the rich, creamy tang of cheesecake, all nestled on a buttery shortbread crust and finished with a luxurious drizzle of caramel.
Honestly, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a slice of pure heaven. They are surprisingly simple to make, requiring no water bath or fancy techniques, and they are guaranteed to be the star of any holiday potluck or cozy family gathering.
WHY MAKE THIS RECIPE
All the Flavor, None of the Fuss
These easy caramel apple cheesecake bars deliver the impressive taste of a complicated dessert without the stress. Unlike a full-sized cheesecake, there’s no worrying about cracks or a lengthy cooling time. The bar form makes them incredibly portable and easy to serve, making them the perfect make-ahead dessert for busy hosts.
The Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser
This dessert is a universal winner. It combines three beloved classics cheesecake, apple pie, and caramel apples into one unforgettable bite. The combination of the cool, creamy layer with the warm, spiced apples and sweet caramel is a textural and flavor masterpiece that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich and creamy cheesecake bars layered with cinnamon-spiced apples on a buttery crust, finished with a luscious caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- For Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- 2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the baking dish to form the crust.
- 3. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then set aside.
- 4. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing just until combined.
- 5. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the warm crust and spread evenly.
- 6. In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- 7. Evenly sprinkle the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- 8. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set.
- 9. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- 10. Before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce and slice into bars.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best contrast.
- Bars slice more cleanly when thoroughly chilled.
- Add a streusel topping for extra texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: caramel apple, cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple dessert
HOW TO MAKE CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS
Ingredients: The Sweet Lineup
For the Shortbread Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
Directions: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup sugar. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan.
Pre-Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are just barely starting to turn golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
Prepare the Apples: While the crust is baking, toss the chopped apples with the 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl. This will prevent the apples from becoming too watery.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Assemble the Bars: Spread the cinnamon-coated apples evenly over the warm crust. Pour the cheesecake filling over the apples, spreading it gently to cover them completely.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center only slightly jiggles.
Cool and Chill: Allow the pan to cool completely on a wire rack. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to fully set.
Serve and Drizzle: Once chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the entire slab out of the pan. Slice into bars, drizzle generously with caramel sauce, and serve.
NUTRITION AND HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS
A Decadent Treat
Let’s be honest, these caramel apple cheesecake bars are an indulgence. They are rich in flavor and meant to be enjoyed in moderation. The combination of cream cheese, butter, and sugar makes them a dessert best savored on special occasions.
Simple Swaps for Lighter Options
You can easily lighten up this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars recipe without sacrificing taste. Use reduced-fat cream cheese and a sugar substitute that measures 1:1 like sugar. You can also look for a sugar-free caramel sauce to reduce the overall sugar content.
HOW TO SERVE CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS
The Perfect Presentation
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are beautiful all on their own! For an elegant touch, drizzle the caramel in a zig-zag pattern over the entire slab before slicing. Placing each bar on a small plate with a tiny dollop of whipped cream and a single apple slice makes for a stunning restaurant-quality presentation.
Ideal Pairings
A cup of strong coffee or a hot chai tea latte is the perfect partner to cut through the sweetness of these bars. For a truly decadent experience, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
HOW TO STORE CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS
Keeping Them Fresh
Store these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The crust will remain firm, and the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing for Later
Yes, you can freeze them! Place the fully cooled and chilled bars (without the final caramel drizzle) on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen bars to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add the caramel drizzle just before serving.
TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS
Tips and Notes: Your Baking Companion
- Room Temperature is Key: Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature to avoid a lumpy filling.
- Don’t Overbake: The center of the bars should still have a slight jiggle when you take them out of the oven; they will continue to set as they cool.
- Chill Thoroughly: This is the most important step for clean slices. Do not rush the chilling time.
Variation
For a delightful crunch, sprinkle a streusel topping over the cheesecake layer before baking. Simply mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold butter, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon until crumbly and sprinkle it on.
Notes
For the best texture, use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith. It will hold its shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet cheesecake and caramel.
CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS FAQs
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Absolutely! Pears work wonderfully in place of apples. You could also use a layer of raspberries or peaches for a different seasonal twist.
My crust is crumbling when I cut the bars. What happened?
This usually means the crust wasn’t pressed firmly enough into the pan. Be sure to really compact it. Also, using a very sharp knife and wiping it clean between cuts will give you the cleanest slices.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
You absolutely should! These caramel apple cheesecake bars taste even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld in the fridge. They are the perfect make-ahead dessert.
CONCLUSION
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate celebration of fall in one delicious, handheld dessert. They are the perfect harmony of texture and flavor, from the buttery crust to the spiced apples and creamy cheesecake.
While they look and taste like you spent all day in the kitchen, the simple bar method makes them surprisingly approachable. So, preheat that oven, grab your favorite apples, and get ready to bake a dessert that will earn you rave reviews. Happy baking!