Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Make these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars — a layered fall dessert with graham crust, creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced apples, and caramel drizzle. Perfect for cozy gatherings and holiday baking!
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon 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 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prepare the Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Make the Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
Make the Apple Layer
- In a bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Create the Streusel Topping
- Mix flour and brown sugar in a small bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until crumbly.
- Stir in pecans, if using.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
Bake
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the cheesecake is set in the center.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Make the Caramel Sauce
- In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until dissolved.
- Increase to medium-high heat and cook without stirring until the mixture turns a deep amber color (8–10 minutes).
- Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, then add butter and salt until smooth.
- Allow to cool slightly before drizzling over the bars.
Serve
- Cut into squares and drizzle each bar with warm caramel sauce before serving.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
Apple Choice: Use Granny Smith apples for tartness or mix with Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
Crispy Crust: Pre-baking the crust ensures it stays firm under the cheesecake layer.
Watch Your Caramel: It can burn quickly—remove it from heat as soon as it reaches an amber color.
Serving Suggestion: For an extra indulgent touch, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.