These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall treat! Sliced apples and creamy cheesecake sit on a buttery crust and are drizzled with sweet caramel—yum!
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but eat a few right out of the pan! They’re so good, you’ll want to share, but I can’t promise you will! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are used for both the crust and topping. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet cheesecake. You can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter apple.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy texture. If you need a lower-fat option, you might use reduced-fat cream cheese, but it may alter the creaminess.
Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, but homemade caramel is a delicious alternative. Just be careful with the melting sugar!
How Can I Get the Perfect Crust and Crumb Topping?
The crust and crumb topping need that perfect balance of texture. When making the crust, mix your ingredients until it resembles wet sand. Here’s how:
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and spices thoroughly.
- Make sure to combine with melted butter until it holds together when pressed.
- When pressing the crust into the pan, use the flat bottom of a measuring cup to create an even surface.
For the crumb topping, you want a mix that isn’t too fine. It should remain chunky to give that delightful crunch when baked. Just combine the ingredients and the reserved crumbs will create a nice finish on top!
Remember, a few minutes in the oven makes the crust toasty. The cooler bars are after baking, the firmer they get, so resist the urge to cut too soon!
Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust and Crumb Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples (preferably tart, like Granny Smith), peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce Drizzle:
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and about 45-50 minutes to bake, plus a chilling time of at least 3 hours. Total time is roughly 4 hours, including the cooling period, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Crust and Crumb Topping:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until you have a mixture that looks like coarse crumbs.
3. Press Crust Half:
Set aside about 1/3 of the crumb mixture for the topping later. Press the remaining mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a nice crust layer.
4. Bake the Crust:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the crust for about 10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool slightly.
5. Prepare the Apple Layer:
While the crust is baking, combine the sliced apples in a bowl with lemon juice, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Toss the apples until they are well coated.
6. Layer the Apples:
Spread the spiced apple slices evenly over the warm baked crust, making sure they are distributed well.
7. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in the sugar and continue to mix until everything is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract.
8. Add Cheesecake Over Apples:
Pour the cheesecake batter over the apple layer and smooth out the top with a spatula. Make sure it covers the apples evenly.
9. Top with Crumbs:
Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer for a delicious topping.
10. Bake the Bars:
Put the pan back in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and the topping is golden brown.
11. Cool and Chill:
Once baked, let the bars cool completely at room temperature. After cooling, refrigerate them for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best results.
12. Drizzle Caramel and Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, slice the bars into squares and drizzle them generously with caramel sauce. Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful flavors!
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a perfect dessert for gatherings or just a cozy night in. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Substitute Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just make sure they’re firm, as that will help them hold their shape when baked.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or another gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust. Just be sure the other ingredients, like the caramel sauce, are also gluten-free!
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if they touch to maintain their texture.
Can I Use a Different Type of Cream Cheese?
Full-fat cream cheese gives the best flavor and texture, but you can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you want to lighten the recipe a bit. Just keep in mind that the consistency may be slightly different.
