Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust topped with a creamy cinnamon-spiced cheesecake layer studded with tender diced apples and finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall desserts or anytime you crave a sweet, fruity treat with a creamy texture.
- 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 your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ¾ cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
- Add Spiced Apples: Toss the peeled and diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg to evenly coat. Fold the spiced apples gently into the cheesecake mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust, spreading evenly. Bake in the oven for 35 minutes or until the center is slightly jiggly but set around the edges.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Drizzle the top with caramel sauce, then refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours to fully set before serving.
Notes
- Use firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- For easier slicing, refrigerate the bars overnight.
- You can substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel or dulce de leche.
- Line your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner cuts.
