Dreamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe for Fall Sweetness

Sweet, creamy caramel apple cheesecake bars dance between decadent layers of comfort and indulgence.

Crisp autumn apples bring a vibrant twist to this classic dessert.

Buttery graham cracker crusts provide a delightful foundation for each delectable bite.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg whisper memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Smooth cream cheese blends seamlessly with rich caramel drizzles, creating a luxurious texture.

Seasonal ingredients combine in a symphony of flavors that will make you swoon.

Slice into these heavenly bars and let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable culinary adventure.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Autumn Bliss

• Indulge in Layers of Delight: The caramel apple cheesecake bars combine multiple dessert elements into one spectacular treat, offering a rich and complex flavor profile that satisfies multiple cravings in a single bite.
• Bake with Ease: This recipe requires basic baking skills and standard kitchen equipment, making it accessible for home bakers of varying experience levels who want to create an impressive dessert without advanced techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations, these bars deliver a stunning presentation with their beautiful layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apple filling, and crunchy streusel topping.

Must-Have Ingredients for Caramel Apple Bars

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crunchy base that provides a delicious foundation for the cheesecake bars.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and adds richness to the base.
• Sugar: Enhances the sweetness of the graham cracker crust.
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the crust.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, creamy texture for the cheesecake layer.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cheesecake layer.
• Vanilla: Adds a classic, sweet flavor to the cheesecake.

• Apples, Lemon Juice, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: A spiced apple mixture that adds fruity flavor and warmth to the dessert.
• Flour, Brown Sugar, Cold Butter, Pecans: A crumbly streusel topping that adds crunch and additional sweetness.
• Sugar, Water, Cream, Butter, Salt: Ingredients for a rich, homemade caramel sauce that completes the dessert.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Craft the Crunchy Foundation

Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a mixing bowl.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.

Pop it into a preheated oven at 350F (175C) and bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated.

Stir in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Gently pour this luxurious mixture over the cooled crust, creating an even layer.

Step 3: Create Apple Wonderland

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Spread these spiced apples evenly across the cheesecake layer, creating a beautiful mosaic of flavors.

Step 4: Develop Irresistible Streusel Topping

In a separate bowl, mix flour and brown sugar.

Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Optionally, fold in chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Sprinkle this golden topping generously over the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Look for a golden-brown streusel and a set cheesecake center.

The aroma will be absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 6: Craft Luscious Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine sugar and water.

Heat over medium flame, watching carefully as the mixture transforms into a rich amber color.

Carefully whisk in heavy cream, then stir in butter and a pinch of salt.

Let the sauce cool slightly to thicken.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once completely cooled, cut the bars into perfect squares.

Drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Watch as your guests’ eyes light up with pure dessert delight!

Caramel Apple Bar Tips & Tricks

• Toss diced apples in lemon juice immediately after cutting to stop oxidation and maintain their fresh, crisp appearance.
• Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat thoroughly to eliminate lumps for a silky-smooth texture.
• Use cold butter and work quickly with fingertips to create a perfect crumbly topping that doesn't become greasy.
• Watch sugar carefully while caramelizing to prevent burning, and remove from heat the moment it turns golden amber.
• Chill bars completely before cutting and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean, precise squares.

New Takes on Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Version: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace eggs with flax eggs for a plant-based alternative.
• Tropical Transformation: Substitute apples with fresh mangoes or pineapple chunks, adding a Caribbean-inspired flavor profile to the classic recipe.
• Nutty Alternative: Replace pecans with almonds or walnuts in the streusel topping, creating a different textural and flavor experience.

Serving Up Caramel Apple Bars

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange bars on a rustic wooden board with whole pecans and cinnamon sticks scattered around for a stunning dessert display.
• Flavor Enhancers: Serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to complement the rich caramel and apple notes.
• Pairing Pleasures: Enjoy with a warm cup of spiced chai tea or a robust coffee to balance the sweetness of the cheesecake bars.
• Seasonal Styling: Garnish with fresh apple slices and a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon for an extra autumnal touch that elevates the presentation.

Storage Tips for Cheesecake Bar Fans

• Store bars in an airtight container lined with parchment paper between layers. Keep chilled for up to 5 days, maintaining their delicious texture and flavor.
• Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months without the caramel sauce.
• Remove bars from freezer and let them defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Allow bars to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for the best taste and texture.
• Warm individual bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their just-baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

You can swap apples with pears or peaches. Just ensure the fruit is diced and not too watery to maintain the bar’s texture.

• Is it necessary to use pecans in the streusel topping?

Pecans are optional. You can skip them or replace with walnuts or almonds for a similar nutty crunch.

• How do I know when the cheesecake bars are fully baked?

The streusel should be golden brown, and the cheesecake layer should look set but still slightly jiggly in the center when gently shaken.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars blend creamy cheesecake with autumn’s favorite fruit, creating a luxurious dessert that marries rich flavors and textures. Layers of buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and spiced apple topping promise a delectable experience you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Cheesecake Layer Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Layer Ingredients:

• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Streusel Topping Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Caramel Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon to create a cohesive crust mixture. Press firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool completely.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency. Incorporate eggs individually, ensuring thorough integration after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla extract, maintaining a silky texture.
4. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust, creating a uniform base for the apple layer.
5. Dice apples and toss with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the fragrant spice mixture. Distribute the seasoned apple pieces uniformly across the cheesecake layer.
6. Create streusel topping by combining flour and brown sugar. Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Incorporate chopped pecans if desired, then generously sprinkle over the apple layer.
7. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The streusel should turn golden brown, and the cheesecake center should appear set but slightly jiggly. Remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
8. Craft caramel sauce by heating sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully as the mixture transforms to a rich amber color. Cautiously whisk in cream, then integrate butter and salt, creating a luxurious sauce.
9. Once fully cooled, slice the dessert into neat squares. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each bar just before serving, enhancing the dessert’s decadent flavor profile.

Notes

• Ensure graham cracker crust is fully cooled before adding cheesecake layer to prevent soggy bottom and maintain crisp texture.
• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for balanced sweetness and texture that won’t become mushy during baking.
• Prevent cheesecake from cracking by avoiding overmixing and using room temperature ingredients, which blend more smoothly and reduce air bubbles.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same delicious base.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg