These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a tasty treat that brings fall flavors year-round! With creamy cheesecake and sweet, spiced apples on a buttery crust, they’ll make your mouth water.
Just wait until you drizzle warm caramel on top! It’s the perfect combo of sweet and tart, and I often find myself going back for seconds—who can resist? 🍏🍮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give the crust a sweet, crunchy base. You can substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits or homemade cookie crumbs if you prefer a different flavor.
Apples: Granny Smith or Fuji are great for this recipe because they’re tart and hold up well during cooking. Feel free to mix in sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or even use pears for a twist on the classic flavor!
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened for a smooth filling. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you could use Neufchâtel cheese, which is creamier with fewer calories.
Brown Sugar: This adds depth to the flavor. If you run out, you can use granulated sugar with a touch of molasses to mimic the taste of brown sugar.
Streusel Topping: This is key for that crumbly texture on top. You could add oats for a different texture or use almond flour for a gluten-free option.
How Do I Get My Cheesecake Layer Just Right?
The cheesecake should be creamy and not overmixed, which can lead to cracks. Here are the steps to nail it:
- Start with softened cream cheese—let it sit at room temperature for about 1-2 hours.
- Beat it with sugar until smooth, then add the egg and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
- Avoid overmixing, as this can put too much air into the batter, causing it to puff up and crack while baking.
Taking care at this stage results in a velvety cheesecake layer that complements the sweet apples and buttery crust perfectly!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the apple topping:
- 3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the streusel crumble topping:
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
For assembly:
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 40-50 minutes of baking time. You’ll want to refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours afterward to let them set nicely, making the total time about 3 hours to enjoy your delicious creation!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some parchment overhang to help you lift the bars out later. This makes removal much easier!
2. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until all the crumbs are moistened. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until it’s set and slightly golden. Once baked, set aside to cool.
3. Prepare the Apples
In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are soft but still hold their shape. Once done, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until just combined—remember, don’t overmix!
5. Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the baked crust. Carefully arrange the cooked apple slices on top of the cheesecake layer, making sure they’re spread out nicely.
6. Make the Streusel Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apples and cheesecake layer.
7. Bake the Bars
Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel topping is golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
8. Chill and Serve
Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to let them set perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut them into squares. Drizzle generously with warm caramel sauce for a delicious finish!
Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with the perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topped with luscious caramel drizzle!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are excellent choices for their tartness and firmness, you can also use other apples like Honeycrisp or even a mix of sweet and tart varieties for more flavor complexity.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes, these cheesecake bars can be made a day in advance! Just prepare and bake them as directed, then refrigerate overnight. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, let them come to room temperature before serving, or enjoy them chilled!
Can I Freeze Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them! Wrap the cooled bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
