Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 144 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 4 hours 0 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x

Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling layered with tender apple slices and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfectly baked to a golden finish, these bars offer a delightful blend of tart apples, sweet caramel, and velvety cheesecake in every bite. Ideal for dessert lovers looking for a comforting autumn-inspired treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

  • 2 apples, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to form the crust layer.
  2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, without lumps.
  3. Add the first layer of filling: Pour half of the cheesecake mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to create a uniform base.
  4. Layer the apples and caramel: Arrange the thinly sliced apples evenly over the first layer of cheesecake filling. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples to add sweetness and moisture.
  5. Top with remaining filling: Carefully pour the remaining cheesecake mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it gently to cover the filling without disturbing the layers beneath.
  6. Bake the bars: Place the baking pan in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) and bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep the bars creamy.
  7. Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature. Then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours, or until fully set and firm.
  8. Serve: Once chilled, slice the bars into squares. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top just before serving.

Notes

  • You can use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
  • Press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when cutting.
  • Store chilled cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, caramel apple dessert, cheesecake bars recipe, apple dessert bars, easy cheesecake bars, fall desserts

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe-3/