IRRESISTIBLE CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS

Imagine biting into a creamy, tangy cheesecake swirled with sweet-tart apples and decadent caramel – that’s exactly what you get with these incredible Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. This isn’t just another fall dessert; it’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone begging for more, and I promise you, they are easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Topping:

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great!)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: sea salt for sprinkling

Let’s Talk Apples: Choosing the Right Variety

The kind of apples you use can really make or break your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! You want something that holds its shape well during baking and has a nice balance of sweet and tart. I personally love using Granny Smith apples because their tartness cuts through the richness of the cheesecake and caramel. Honeycrisp apples are another excellent option – they’re sweet, crisp, and juicy, and they hold their shape beautifully. Other good choices include Fuji or Braeburn apples. Avoid apples that tend to get mushy when cooked, like Red Delicious.

And remember, dicing the apples into roughly the same size pieces ensures even cooking! No one wants some pieces that are crunchy and others that are practically applesauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Prep Work is Key

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This is crucial! Trust me, you don’t want to try and pry these bars out without parchment.

Making the Graham Cracker Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
3. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Whipping Up the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This is important! Lumpy cheesecake is a no-no. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened.
2. Beat in the sour cream until well combined.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix at this stage, as that can introduce air into the batter and cause cracks during baking.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Cooking the Apple Topping

1. While the crust is baking and cooling, prepare the apple topping. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still slightly firm, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assembling the Cheesecake Bars

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
2. Spoon the cooked apple topping over the cheesecake filling. Gently swirl the apples into the filling using a knife or spatula. Don’t overdo it! You want distinct pockets of apple goodness.

Baking to Golden Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting and serving. This chilling time is crucial for the cheesecake to set properly and develop its flavors.

The Finishing Touch: Caramel Drizzle

1. Before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake bars.
2. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
3. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake can be a little finicky, but don’t worry! Here are a few tips to help you avoid common pitfalls:

• Cracking: The biggest fear with cheesecake! To minimize cracking, avoid overmixing the batter, bake in a water bath (though we’re skipping that step here for simplicity!), and cool the cheesecake slowly in the oven.
• Sinking Crust: Make sure you press the graham cracker crust firmly into the pan. A loose crust will crumble and may sink into the filling.
• Lumpy Filling: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before you start mixing. If it’s still cold, it will be difficult to get a smooth, lump-free batter.
• Uneven Baking: Ovens can be temperamental! If you notice the edges are browning too quickly, you can tent the pan with foil during the last part of baking.

Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

Want to put your own spin on these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves to the apple topping for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Nutty Goodness: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle for added texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate along with the caramel for a decadent twist.
• Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving Suggestions: More Than Just Dessert

While these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are amazing on their own, here are a few ideas for serving them up in style:

• With a dollop of whipped cream: A classic pairing that never disappoints.
• Alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold ice cream complements the warm, spiced apples perfectly.
• With a drizzle of extra caramel sauce: Because you can never have too much caramel!
• As part of a dessert platter: Include other fall favorites like Apple Crisp and Apple Crisp for a truly memorable spread.

If you like this recipe, you will also like Apple Cider Cheesecake!

Storing Your Delicious Cheesecake Bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are best stored in the refrigerator. To keep them fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 5 days in the fridge. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, cut the bars into individual portions, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

The Story Behind the Recipe

I started making these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars a few years ago when I was looking for a dessert that combined my love of cheesecake with the flavors of fall. I experimented with different apple varieties, caramel sauces, and crust combinations until I finally landed on this recipe. It’s been a hit with my family and friends ever since, and I’m so excited to share it with you!

This recipe is a variation of the very popular Caramel Apple Cheesecake Heaven and Caramel Apple Cheesecake Nirvana recipes.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Every Bite!

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a truly special treat, perfect for any occasion. They’re relatively easy to make, but the results are absolutely stunning. The combination of the creamy cheesecake, the sweet-tart apples, and the decadent caramel is simply irresistible. So go ahead, give this recipe a try – I know you’ll love them as much as I do! And don’t be afraid to get creative with the variations – the possibilities are endless! Happy baking!

Isabella

Irresistible Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a symphony of flavors and textures, combining creamy cheesecake with sweet-tart apples and decadent caramel. Easy to make, they’re perfect for fall or any occasion and will leave everyone craving more. A delightful dessert experience awaits!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for crust
• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar for filling
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar for apple topping
• 2 tablespoons butter for apple topping
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
• Optional: sea salt for sprinkling

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• parchment paper
• medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Mixer (electric or stand)
• measuring cups and spoons
• large skillet
• Spatula
• Knife or offset spatula
• Oven
• Cooling rack
• Plastic wrap or airtight container

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
5. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
6. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
7. Beat in the sour cream until well combined.
8. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
9. Stir in the vanilla extract.
10. While the crust is baking and cooling, prepare the apple topping. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
11. Add the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still slightly firm, about 5-7 minutes.
12. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
13. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
14. Spoon the cooked apple topping over the cheesecake filling. Gently swirl the apples into the filling using a knife or spatula.
15. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
16. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
17. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
18. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting and serving.
19. Before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake bars.
20. If desired, sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavor.
21. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, ensure cream cheese is completely softened before mixing. To prevent cracking, avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter and cool the bars slowly in the oven. These bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Spice up the apple topping with a pinch of ground ginger or cloves. Add chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle for added texture. Drizzle melted chocolate along with the caramel for a decadent twist. Use salted caramel sauce for an extra burst of flavor.