These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a sweet treat with a creamy cheesecake layer and juicy apple chunks, all topped with rich caramel. Perfect for sharing or just enjoying by yourself!
Every bite feels like a cozy fall day! I love making these when friends come over—they never last long. Just be ready to share, or you might want to hide a piece for yourself! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These create a great base for the bars. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even Oreos for a chocolatey twist!
Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples is best. I love using Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji for sweetness. You can use whatever apples you have on hand, but try to avoid mushy varieties!
Cream cheese: This gives the cheesecake its creamy texture. Low-fat cream cheese works too, though I find full-fat gives the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan cream cheese brands, but be sure to check for flavor differences!
Pecans or walnuts: These are optional but add a nice crunch. If you’re nut-free, you can skip these completely or replace them with crushed oats for a slightly different texture.
How Do You Ensure a Perfectly Layered Cheesecake?
Layering your bars can be tricky, but there are a few tips to ensure a great result! After baking the crust, let it cool completely. Once the apple layer is cooked, let it sit for a few minutes to avoid melting the cheesecake layer below.
- Spread the apple layer evenly on the cooled crust. Make sure the apples are not too juicy to prevent sogginess.
- When adding the cheesecake batter, gently spread it over the apples using a spatula. This helps keep the layers distinct.
Lastly, let the bars cool completely before chilling in the fridge. This helps them firm up nicely and makes them easier to cut!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup crushed pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Apple Layer:
- 3 medium apples (preferably a mix of tart and sweet like Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe requires about 20 minutes of active prep time and 60-75 minutes of baking and cooling time. Plus, it’s best to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours. So, plan on making these a little ahead of when you want to serve them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, crushed pecans (if using), melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon together until everything is well combined. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is set and has a light golden color. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Apple Layer:
Now, let’s cook the apples! In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Then, add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples are softened but not mushy. After cooking, remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until it becomes smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract and flour until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Assemble the Bars:
It’s time to put it all together! First, spread the cooked apples evenly over the cooled crust. Then, gently pour the cheesecake batter on top, spreading it to cover the apples evenly.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
6. Bake:
Now, lower your oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) and bake the bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the streusel topping is golden brown. Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Serve:
When ready to serve, cut the cheesecake into squares. Drizzle caramel sauce generously over each bar for that extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars chilled and delight in the creamy, fruity goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji is recommended for a balance of tart and sweet flavors, feel free to use any apples you have on hand. Just avoid overly soft apples that may turn mushy when cooked.
How Should I Store Leftover Bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking them to prevent sticking.
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or any gluten-free cookie crumbs for the crust, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
How Can I Make the Caramel Sauce Homemade?
Making caramel sauce at home is easy! Simply melt 1 cup of granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s golden brown. Remove from heat and carefully stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of butter until smooth. Let it cool before drizzling on the bars!
