Why Make This Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and rich caramel. They bring the comforting flavors of fall into a handy bar form that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a dessert to impress family, or wanting a tasty treat for yourself, these bars are easy to make and sure to please.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the diced apples and cinnamon if using. Pour this mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, and use a knife to swirl it into the cheesecake mixture.
- Optional: sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set. Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars and serving.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
To serve these delicious bars, cut them into squares and place them on a serving platter. You can drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for added sweetness. Serve them chilled or at room temperature, and pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to a week, making them a great make-ahead dessert. If you want to freeze them, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Choose firm apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for the best texture and flavor.
- For a warm baked taste, heat the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling it on top.
- Feel free to toast the nuts before adding them for an extra crunch.
Variation
If you’d like to switch things up, try adding dried cranberries or raisins along with the apples for more flavor. You can also substitute the apples with pears for a different fruity experience.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves you time.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best due to their flavor and texture.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make the crust gluten-free.
Can I add more spices?
Absolutely! You can experiment with nutmeg or allspice for added warmth in flavor.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened Make sure it is at room temperature.
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced apples, peeled and cored Best to use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- 1 cup caramel sauce Store-bought works perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans Optional; to add extra crunch.
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the baking dish to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the diced apples and cinnamon if using.
- Pour this mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, and use a knife to swirl it into the cheesecake mixture.
- Optional: sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars and serving.