Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors that perfectly capture the essence of fall. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, this dessert brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. The combination of creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and rich caramel creates a symphony of taste and texture that is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I tried these bars at a family gathering; the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen was enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
These bars not only taste amazing, but they also offer a convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of caramel apples without the mess. People love this dish for its creamy texture, the crunch of the apple pieces, and the luscious caramel drizzle that ties it all together. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them as a cozy treat at home, Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- For the caramel topping:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Preparing the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step to ensure that your cheesecake bars bake evenly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it down. This will create a solid base for our cheesecake.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden. This step helps to set the crust and gives it a nice crunch.
- Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps!
- Add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese and continue to beat until well combined, about 1 minute.
- Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture, making the cheesecake light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is well blended. The sour cream adds a nice tanginess to the cheesecake.
- In a separate bowl, toss the finely chopped apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Then gently fold the apples into the cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep some of the apple chunks intact for texture.
Assembling the Cheesecake Bars
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. This will ensure that every bite has that delicious cheesecake flavor.
- Tap the baking dish gently on the counter to release any air bubbles that may have formed in the filling.
- Bake the cheesecake bars in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a little soft in the middle.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking on the surface.
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait!
Preparing the Caramel Topping
- If you’re using store-bought caramel sauce, simply heat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to make it easier to drizzle. If you’re feeling adventurous and want to make your own caramel sauce, here’s a quick recipe:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of water. Stir until the sugar dissol
Conclusion:
In summary, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delightful dessert that perfectly balances creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and the comforting flavor of apples. The combination of textures and flavors makes each bite a heavenly experience that’s sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, I recommend drizzling extra caramel sauce on top and adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. You can also experiment with variations by swapping out the apples for pears or even adding a hint of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try! Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a picture of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the joy of these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars together! Happy baking! Print
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: A Delicious Fall Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 bars 1x
Description
Enjoy these Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling with fresh apples, and a decadent caramel topping. Perfect for any gathering, these bars blend rich flavors for a delightful dessert experience.
Ingredients
Scale- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the crumbs are well coated and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese and continue to beat until well combined (about 1 minute).
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until well blended.
- In a separate bowl, toss the finely chopped apples with lemon juice. Gently fold the apples into the cheesecake mixture.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Tap the baking dish gently on the counter to release any air bubbles.
- Bake the cheesecake bars in the oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Once baked, turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for about 1 hour.
- After an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- If using store-bought caramel sauce, heat it in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.
- For homemade caramel, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and ¼ cup of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves and proceed with your caramel recipe.
Notes
- For a salted caramel version, sprinkle sea salt over the caramel topping before serving.
- These cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
