Delight in the rich and creamy goodness of caramel apple cheesecake bars! This easy recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth cheesecake layer, fresh apples, and a luscious caramel topping. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to discover step-by-step instructions and create this mouthwatering dessert today! Enjoy a sweet treat everyone will love!
For the crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the cheesecake layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
For the apple layer:
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup granulated sugar
For the caramel topping:
½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Sea salt, for garnish (optional)
![- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup sour cream - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well) - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - ¼ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt, for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays an important role in making these bars shine. The graham cracker crumbs give a nice crunch to the crust. The melted butter binds the crumbs together, while brown sugar adds sweetness. Cinnamon adds warmth to the crust, making it comforting. For the cheesecake layer, the cream cheese is the star. It brings a creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while eggs give the layer its structure. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, and sour cream adds a bit of tang. In the apple layer, fresh apples add moisture and flavor. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for their balance of sweet and tart. Lemon juice keeps the apples bright and fresh. Cinnamon and sugar round out the flavor, making it extra delicious. Lastly, the caramel topping is the finishing touch. It adds a rich, sweet layer on top of the cheesecake. A sprinkle of sea salt gives a nice contrast, making each bite even better. You can find the full recipe for these delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars in the article. Enjoy! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal later. - In a mixing bowl, combine the crust ingredients: graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. - Mix until it looks like wet sand. - Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the baking dish. - Bake for 10 minutes until set and lightly golden. - In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. - Add the eggs one by one. Mix well after each addition. - Stir in the vanilla and sour cream until fully combined. - Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. - Make sure they are evenly coated. Set aside to let them soak up the flavors. - Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly. - Gently fold in the apple mixture, distributing the apples throughout. - Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. - Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top. - If you like, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt for extra flavor. - Chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours before slicing. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the ingredients and steps listed above. Enjoy your delicious creation! The best apples for baking are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. They balance sweet and tart flavors well. Granny Smith adds a nice tang, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness and crunch. To keep your apples firm during baking, avoid overcooking. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice right after cutting. This helps prevent browning and keeps them fresh. For a smooth cheesecake, mix cream cheese until it is soft. Start with room temperature cream cheese for the best results. Add sugar slowly and mix until there are no lumps. To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, bake at a low temperature. Bake the bars until they are just set in the center. Remember, a slight jiggle is okay! You can use store-bought caramel sauce for ease. However, making your own caramel sauce is simple and delicious. Combine sugar and water in a pan, heat until golden, and add butter and cream. When making caramel, watch it closely. It can burn quickly. If you want a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt. For the complete process and more details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can add nuts for a nice crunch. Walnuts or pecans work great in this recipe. Chop them into small pieces and mix them into the crust. This change adds texture and flavor. You can also sprinkle some on top before serving. This gives a nice look and extra crunch. Looking for something different? Try a chocolate twist! Instead of caramel, use chocolate ganache. To make the ganache, melt chocolate with cream until smooth. Pour it over the cooled cheesecake bars. This change makes the dessert rich and sweet. It pairs well with apples and cream cheese. You can enhance the flavor with different spices. Try nutmeg or ginger for warmth. A pinch of allspice can add depth to the taste. You can also switch apples for pears or peaches for a seasonal touch. These tweaks keep the dessert fresh and exciting. Explore these flavors to find your favorite mix! To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to seal them well. This will help prevent the bars from drying out. If you want to keep them even fresher, place a piece of plastic wrap over the surface before sealing the container. This extra layer traps moisture, keeping the bars soft and tasty for longer. Want to save some for later? You can freeze these cheesecake bars! First, let them cool completely after baking. Then, cut the bars into squares and wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag or container. When you're ready to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight. To serve, you can reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This will warm them up nicely without losing texture. These delicious bars last about 5 to 7 days in the fridge. Keep an eye on their appearance and smell. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to throw them away. Fresh bars will have a creamy look and a sweet scent. Enjoy them while they are still at their best! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. It may change the taste and texture. The bars might not be as rich or creamy. This can still work if you want a lighter dessert. Just ensure it is softened well for easy mixing. No graham crackers? No problem! You can use crushed vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits. Both can make a tasty crust. Just use the same amount as the graham cracker crumbs in the recipe. Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. Just bake and chill them the day before serving. This allows the flavors to blend well. You can also cut and store them in the fridge for quick serving. When serving, cut them into even squares. You can place them on a nice platter. Drizzle extra caramel on top for a beautiful look. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt can also enhance the flavor. Enjoy these treats with family or friends! For the complete process, refer to the [Full Recipe]. In this blog post, we explored how to create delicious apple cheesecake bars. We covered ingredients for the crust, cheesecake layer, and apple topping. I shared step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for achieving the best texture. You learned storage tips and tasty variations to try. Enjoying this dessert can be a fun experience. Making these bars lets you be creative and try new flavors too. With some practice, you will master this treat. It's a recipe worth making time and again.](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/90dd76a4-5d0d-4643-99bf-89d1831e6392-250x250.webp)