Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tart flavor of apples, topped with a crunchy streusel and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for cozy gatherings or an indulgent treat any time of the year.

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, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while you prepare the other layers.
3. Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Pour this over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
4. Step 4: Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
5. Step 5: Make the streusel topping by mixing flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
6. Step 6: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set. Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
7. Step 7: Make the caramel sauce by combining sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the 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), then 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 tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweet cheesecake and caramel.
• For a nut-free version, simply omit the pecans from the streusel topping.
• Make the caramel sauce ahead of time and warm gently before serving.
• Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the apple mixture for extra warmth and spice.

Storage

Store leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat slightly before serving or enjoy chilled. Keep caramel sauce refrigerated in a separate container and warm gently before drizzling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, but choose firm apples that hold their shape well when baked, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji. Avoid very sweet or soft apples as they may become mushy.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening after it cools?

Store caramel sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, warm it gently over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, crumbly pecan streusel, and a rich homemade caramel sauce for an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a decadent treat.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• 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 cinnamon

Cheesecake Layer

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

Apple Layer

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp 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 prevent sticking and make removal easier.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until the mixture is well incorporated. Press this evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a firm crust.
3. Bake the Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool completely while you prepare the next layers. Cooling prevents the cheesecake from melting into the crust.
4. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
5. Make the Apple Layer: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only flavors the apples but also keeps them from browning. Spread this apple mixture uniformly over the cheesecake layer.
6. Create the Streusel Topping: Mix the flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in chopped pecans if using to add a crunchy texture. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
7. Bake the Bars: Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden and the cheesecake is set without jiggling.
8. Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature to set properly, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing.
9. Make the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream – the caramel will bubble vigorously, so be cautious. Stir in the butter and salt until smooth. Let the sauce cool slightly.
10. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the bars just before serving to add a luscious finishing touch.

Notes

• Allow the bars to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent the cheesecake from cracking.
• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
• For a nut-free version, omit the pecans in the streusel topping.
• Store leftover bars in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days.
• Caramel sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; warm gently before drizzling.

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