Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Deliciously rich and creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, spiced diced apples folded into a smooth cheesecake filling, all topped with decadent caramel sauce. Perfect for autumn desserts or any special occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup granulated sugar until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes and then remove from the oven.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and remaining ¾ cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add Apples and Spices: Toss the peeled and diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg in a separate bowl to evenly coat. Gently fold the spiced apples into the cheesecake mixture, distributing them throughout.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling with apples evenly over the pre-baked crust. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly but mostly set.
- Cool and Add Topping: Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top.
- Chill: Refrigerate the caramel apple cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours to fully set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet caramel.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Line the pan with parchment paper extending over the edges for easy removal.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free biscuits.
- Warm the caramel sauce slightly if it becomes too thick before drizzling.
