Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: The Perfect Fall Treat for Every Occasion
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and luscious caramel that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
These bars combine the smooth richness of cheesecake with the crisp tang of apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, all topped with a buttery streusel and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.
Table of Contents
They are ideal for fall gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat to enjoy with family on chilly evenings.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- hand mixer or stand mixer
- spatula
- saucepan for caramel sauce
- whisk
- knife and cutting board for apples
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until streusel is golden and cheesecake is set. Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours.
- Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press firmly into the pan’s bottom and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Spread mixture over cooled crust.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle mixture over apples.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until streusel is golden and cheesecake is set. Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours.
- Heat sugar and water until amber. Remove from heat, whisk in cream (bubbles), then butter and salt. Let cool slightly.
- Cut chilled bars into squares and drizzle caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
This dessert is easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve at any occasion. The buttery graham cracker crust provides a crunchy base, while the cheesecake layer adds silky smoothness. The spiced apple layer introduces a fresh and vibrant contrast, complemented perfectly by the crumbly streusel topping. Finishing with the rich caramel sauce elevates the bars to a decadent indulgence.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars offers clear, step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure success. Plus, it’s adaptable with options for different apple varieties, nut inclusions, or even store-bought caramel for those short on time.
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars and Possible Substitutions
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the Apple Layer:
3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced - 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- For the Streusel Topping:
½ cup all-purpose flour - ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
- For the Caramel Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar - ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Substitutions:
Use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for varying sweetness and texture. Replace pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for nut-free bars. A store-bought caramel sauce can be used to save time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press firmly into the pan’s bottom and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Spread over crust.
- Apple layer: Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over cheesecake.
- Streusel topping: Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle over apples.
- Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes until streusel is golden and cheesecake is set. Cool at room temperature, then chill 2 hours.
- Caramel sauce: Heat sugar and water until amber. Remove from heat, whisk in cream (bubbles), then butter and salt. Cool slightly.
- Serve: Cut chilled bars into squares. Drizzle caramel sauce just before serving.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store bars in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them warm for 15 minutes at room temperature before serving to soften the texture. For longer keeping, freeze tightly wrapped bars for up to 3 months.
Variations and Add-Ons
Add a sprinkle of sea salt atop the caramel drizzle for salted caramel bars. Mix in 1 tsp ground ginger or clove with the apple spices for extra warmth. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Cultural Note
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars has longstanding popularity in American fall baking, often paired with seasonal fruits. The combination of apples and caramel is a classic autumn flavor pairing, inspired by traditional apple desserts and candy apples enjoyed at fairs and harvest festivals.
