These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a sweet treat that combine creamy cheesecake and tart apples, all drizzled with delicious caramel. Perfect for a cozy dessert!
Every bite feels like a warm hug, especially in the fall. I like to serve these bars slightly chilled, but let’s be honest, they don’t last long enough for leftovers! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide a sweet and crunchy crust. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts as a substitute!
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for balancing sweetness. For a sweeter option, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. You could also use pears if you prefer.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese gives the creamiest texture. If you’re watching calories, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly less rich.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling salt levels. If you’re dairy-free, margarine or coconut oil can work as substitutes.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cheesy Texture?
To achieve that creamy cheesecake texture, the key is to properly beat the cream cheese. Start with room temperature cream cheese, as it mixes more smoothly and evenly:
- Beat the cream cheese alone until it’s smooth before adding any other ingredients.
- Mix in sugar gradually to avoid lumps.
- When adding eggs, mix gently, as over-mixing can introduce air and create cracks when baking.
Another tip? Don’t bake it too long! The cheesecake should still have a slight jiggle in the center when you pull it out. It will set more as it cools.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Topping:
- 3 medium apples (preferably tart variety like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced into thin wedges
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
Caramel Sauce (optional for drizzling):
- Store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel
Time Needed:
Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking will take another 30-35 minutes. After baking, you’ll need to chill the bars for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to set properly. So, in total, plan for around 4 hours for the entire process, mostly for chilling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven and prepare pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line or grease a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture is evenly moistened. Then, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, just until it’s set. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare cheesecake layer:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and continue mixing until creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Pour this cheesecake mixture over the warm crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Prepare apple topping:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if you’re using it). Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the apples are slightly soft but still maintain their shape. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes.
5. Add apples to cheesecake:
Carefully spoon the cooked apples evenly over the cheesecake layer, making sure to distribute them well.
6. Make crumb topping:
In a small bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter pieces and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until you get a mixture of coarse crumbs.
7. Add crumb topping:
Sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples, covering them evenly for a delicious texture.
8. Bake:
Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a golden topping and the cheesecake to be set, with just a slight jiggle in the center. Once baked, take it out of the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
9. Chill:
Refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight. This helps the cheesecake layer set and makes slicing easier.
10. Serve:
When ready to serve, cut the bars into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce for a tasty finishing touch. Enjoy your decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! You can substitute graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreos, Nilla wafers, or even a nut-based crust for a gluten-free option. Just adjust the sweetness if needed!
What Types of Apples Work Best for Topping?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for adding a nice contrast to the sweet cheesecake. You can also mix varieties for more flavor depth. Feel free to experiment!
Can I Make These Bars in Advance?
Yes, these bars store well! Prepare them a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just add the caramel drizzle right before serving to keep it fresh!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months; just remember to thaw in the fridge before serving!