Description

Delight in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust topped with creamy cheesecake layers, tender apple slices, and rich caramel sauce. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these bars combine the warm flavors of fall with a smooth, indulgent texture that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

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

For the Cheesecake Filling

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

Toppings

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

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking pan to form an even crust layer.
Make the Cheesecake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps remaining.
Layer First Cheesecake Portion: Pour half of the cream cheese batter over the prepared graham cracker crust and spread it evenly to cover the base.
Add Apples and Caramel: Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the cheesecake layer. Drizzle the 1 cup of caramel sauce generously on top of the apple slices.
Top with Remaining Cheesecake Batter: Pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it out carefully to cover the entire surface.
Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden brown. Avoid overbaking to keep the texture creamy.
Cool and Chill: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and allow them to cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate the bars for at least 3-4 hours or until fully chilled and set.
Serve: Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into bars or squares. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving for an added touch of sweetness.

Notes

For best results, use tart apples such as Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the caramel.
Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth batter.
Do not overbake to prevent cracking and maintain a creamy texture.
Chilling time is important to help the bars set properly for clean slices.
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Caramel apple, cheesecake, dessert bars, graham cracker crust, fall dessert, baked cheesecake bars