Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, tender bite of apples and luscious caramel. Perfect as a dessert or a special treat, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

Two stacked dessert bars sit on a white marbled surface, each showing four distinct layers. The bottom layer is a crumbly, brown crust, followed by a thick, smooth white cream cheese layer. Above this is a pale golden layer, likely a caramel or apple filling. The top layer is a coarse, crumbly streusel in light tan with bits of texture, generously drizzled with glossy, rich amber caramel sauce that drips down the sides of the bars. The background is softly blurred with warm tones. 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: Start by preparing the graham cracker crust. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking pan.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the sliced apples evenly on top of the cream cheese layer and drizzle caramel sauce generously over the apples.
  5. Step 5: Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
  6. Step 6: Bake the bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until the cheesecake layer is set and lightly golden on top, about 35-40 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Once baked, allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to fully set.
  8. Step 8: Slice the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer crust, add a tablespoon of brown sugar to the graham cracker crumbs before mixing with butter.
  • Try using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet caramel.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon over the apples before adding caramel for extra warmth and flavor.

Storage

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, enjoy them chilled or briefly warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 10 seconds to bring out the caramel softness.

How to Serve

Two stacked dessert bars with four visible layers are shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dense, crumbly brown crust. Above that is a thick, smooth white cream layer, followed by a light golden, slightly glossy layer. The top layer is a chunky, crumbly streusel in a golden brown color, covered with rich, glossy caramel sauce that drips down the sides of the bars. The bars are close up and centered, showing the textures clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly and saves time. Choose a good-quality sauce for the best flavor.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

To keep the sliced apples fresh and prevent browning, briefly toss them in lemon juice before layering on the cheesecake mixture.

Print
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 9 bars 1x

Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling, fresh sliced apples, and luscious caramel sauce. Perfectly baked until golden and chilled to perfection, they offer a delightful balance of tart apples and sweet caramel in every bite. An irresistible dessert ideal for fall or any time you crave a comforting, fruity cheesecake treat.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 2 apples, sliced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to form the crust layer.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  3. Layer the First Cheesecake Portion: Pour half of the cream cheese batter over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly to create a smooth layer.
  4. Add Apples and Caramel: Arrange the sliced apples over the first cream cheese layer. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apples to enhance flavor.
  5. Top with Remaining Cheesecake Mixture: Pour the second half of the cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it carefully to cover all the fruit and create an even top layer.
  6. Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C). Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden around the edges.
  7. Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully set the cheesecake bars.
  8. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into squares. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Notes

  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
  • You can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce depending on preference.
  • For easier slicing, chill the bars overnight.
  • Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Feel free to sprinkle a little cinnamon on the apples for added warmth.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple dessert, cheesecake bars, caramel cheesecake recipe, easy apple dessert, fall desserts

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