Name: Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-489619H53M52S
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ tsp cinnamon; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; ¼ cup brown sugar; 1 tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional); 1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel); ¼ cup water (for caramel); ½ cup heavy cream (for caramel); 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel); ¼ tsp salt (for caramel)

Fall is in the air, and there’s no better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful dessert that encapsulates all the warmth and flavor of autumn. If you’re searching for the perfect treat to impress your guests or enjoy during family gatherings, then these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are an absolute must-try! Combining the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the tartness of Granny Smith apples, topped with a crunchy streusel and drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, these bars are a dessert lover’s dream come true.

Not only do these cheesecake bars taste divine, but they are also surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up these bars in no time. Perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert table or a cozy night in, their balance of flavors and textures will leave everyone reaching for seconds. And the best part? You can customize them to your liking, ensuring they become a staple in your dessert repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Flavor Explosion: The blend of creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and sweet caramel creates a heavenly combination.
Textural Delight: Enjoy the smooth cheesecake contrasted with a crunchy streusel topping and tender apple layer.
Simple Preparation: Easy step-by-step instructions that anyone can follow to create this delicious dessert.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering or a potluck, these bars wow guests every time.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into making these delightful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather all necessary tools. Start by ensuring your kitchen is clean and organized, as this will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

You will need a 9×13-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper to easily lift the bars later. A mixing bowl and an electric mixer are essential for creating the creamy cheesecake layer, while a good knife and cutting board will help you dice the apples. To make the streusel, have a pastry cutter or two forks handy to mix the butter with the dry ingredients effectively. Finally, for the caramel sauce, a medium saucepan will do the trick. Preparing all your ingredients ahead of time will streamline the process!

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp cinnamon
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp lemon juice
¼ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup granulated sugar (for caramel)
¼ cup water (for caramel)
½ cup heavy cream (for caramel)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for caramel)
¼ tsp salt (for caramel)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

To create a sturdy base for your cheesecake bars, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the lined 9×13 pan, ensuring it is spread evenly across the bottom. This will form the delicious crust that supports the layers above. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. This step will give your crust a lovely crunch that complements the silky cheesecake layer.

Step 2: Blend the Cheesecake Layer

While the crust is baking, it’s the perfect time to prepare the cheesecake layer. In another mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. It’s crucial to ensure there are no lumps. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Once combined, pour this rich mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. The cheesecake layer is the star of the show, so take your time to ensure it’s well distributed across the crust.

Step 3: Create the Apple Layer

Your next task is to prepare the apple layer. Start by peeling and dicing the Granny Smith apples, then toss them in a large bowl with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination of ingredients will infuse the apples with flavor while preventing browning. Spread the apple mixture evenly on top of the cheesecake layer, making sure you get an even distribution of apples throughout the bars.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping

For the final touch, make the streusel topping that will bring a delightful crunch. In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the flour and brown sugar. Cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. If you like, stir in the pecans for added flavor and crunch. Evenly sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple layer, ensuring a generous coverage for that ultimate crunch.

Step 5: Baking Time

Now that all the layers are assembled, it’s time to bake these bars! Place the entire pan in the oven, setting it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel topping turns a beautiful golden brown and the cheesecake is set—take care not to overbake! After removing from the oven, let the bars cool completely in the pan before refrigerating. Allow them to chill for at least 2 hours, which will help the flavors meld beautifully.

Variations

Protein: Add some crumbled bacon for a savory touch alongside the sweet elements.
Vegetables: Try adding grated carrots for a slightly healthier version.
Spices: Amp up the flavors by adding ginger or allspice to the apple layer for a unique twist.

Cooking Notes

For the best texture, make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing — this prevents lumps.
Always allow ample cooling time before cutting, as this will help the bars hold their shape better.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an added indulgence.
Garnish with extra caramel drizzle or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

Tips

To save time, prepare the caramel sauce while the bars cool — it can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
If you like a sweeter bar, increase the granulated sugar slightly in the cheesecake layer.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 15 minutes (including cooling time)

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 320 per bar
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 150mg

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties! However, Granny Smith apples provide the best balance of tartness and sweetness in this recipe.

How can I store leftover cheesecake bars?

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re great chilled or at room temperature!

Can I freeze these bars?

Definitely! Once fully cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you’re looking for alternatives, walnuts or almonds work well in the streusel topping or you can leave them out entirely for a nut-free version.

Conclusion

And there you have it! These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the eyes. With their rich cheesecake layer, tart apple topping, and crunchy streusel, each bite is a delicious reminder of why autumn is such a special time of year. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors and find your perfect twist on this recipe. We hope you enjoyed this recipe as much as we enjoyed creating it. Be sure to comment below with your thoughts or share your unique variations! Happy baking!