![- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 large eggs - 2 cups finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) Gather these ingredients for your caramel apple cheesecake bars. The graham cracker crumbs form a tasty crust. The butter makes it rich and smooth. Sugar adds sweetness to the crust and the filling. Cream cheese is the star, giving the bars their creamy texture. Granulated sugar and vanilla enhance the flavor. Eggs help bind everything together, while apples add a fresh, fruity taste. Cinnamon gives warmth and depth. Finally, caramel sauce brings a sweet finish, making these bars irresistible. - Calories per serving: About 200 - Key nutrients: - Fats: 10g - Carbohydrates: 26g - Proteins: 3g These bars are a sweet treat but still pack some nutritional value. You get a nice mix of fats, carbs, and proteins. Enjoy them as a dessert or a special snack. 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking pan: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Let some paper hang over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. 2. Make the graham cracker crust: In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. 1. Beat cream cheese and add other ingredients: In a large bowl, beat 1 package (8 oz) of softened cream cheese with a hand mixer. Mix until smooth. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until combined. 2. Fold in apples and cinnamon: Add 2 large eggs, mixing in one at a time. Be careful not to overmix. Gently fold in 2 cups of finely chopped apples and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Make sure they are evenly mixed in. 1. Pour mixture and swirl caramel: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the top. Take a knife or skewer and swirl it gently into the cheesecake. 2. Bake and cool the cheesecake bars: Bake for about 30-35 minutes. Look for set edges and a slight jiggle in the center. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until firm. Follow these steps, and you will have delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars. For more details, check the Full Recipe. - Using room temperature ingredients: Bring your cream cheese and eggs to room temp. This helps them mix well. Cold ingredients can cause lumps in your batter. For best results, let them sit out for about 30 minutes before you start. - Importance of not overmixing: Mix your batter just until combined. Overmixing can add too much air. This can cause cracks in your cheesecake as it bakes. Aim for a smooth texture without overdoing it. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve the bars on a rustic wooden board. Add apple slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce on top. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair. - Pairing ideas with drinks: Pair these bars with a warm apple cider or a cup of coffee. The rich flavors balance nicely with these drinks. You could also serve them with vanilla ice cream for a special treat. - Underbaking vs. overbaking: Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. Underbaking can lead to a mushy texture. Overbaking makes them dry. The edges should be set, while the center should still jiggle a bit. - Incorrect measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Too much or too little can change the texture and taste. Use proper measuring cups for dry and liquid ingredients to ensure success. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your caramel apple cheesecake bars in fun ways. Adding nuts, like walnuts or pecans, gives a nice crunch. Just chop them up and mix them into the apple filling. You can also replace the caramel sauce with chocolate. Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top instead. This twist makes it rich and delightful. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. They work just as well for the crust. For a vegan alternative, swap the cream cheese for a plant-based version. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water, and let it sit until it thickens. These changes let everyone enjoy this tasty treat. For the complete recipe, you can refer to the [Full Recipe]. To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out and keeps them tasty. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if you stack them. They stay fresh for about 5 days in the fridge. To reheat, use your oven at a low temperature. Just warm them at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them moist and delicious. You can also eat them cold, as they taste great straight from the fridge. If you have leftovers, you can freeze the bars. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Enjoy a sweet treat anytime! Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars ahead of time. They stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Store them in an airtight container to keep them moist. If you want to serve them later, let them chill overnight. This helps the flavors blend well. When ready to serve, cut them into squares. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a nice touch. The best apples for this recipe are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Granny Smith apples give a tart flavor that balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp apples add a nice crunch and sweetness. You can also mix different types of apples for added flavor. Just make sure they are firm and not too soft. Fresh apples will make your cheesecake bars taste amazing. Yes, you can change the cheesecake base if you want. Try using a chocolate cookie crust for a fun twist. You can also make it with an almond flour crust for a gluten-free option. If you like a fruity flavor, consider adding lemon or orange zest to the cheesecake mix. Each change will give your bars a unique taste while keeping them delicious. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section! These caramel apple cheesecake bars are a delicious treat you can easily make at home. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and various tips to help you succeed. I shared storage advice and how to adapt the recipe to your tastes. Remember, the best meals come from experimenting. Try adding your favorite nuts or different flavors. Enjoy creating your own version of this classic dessert!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/7afe25c8-74ec-4ab4-88d5-78a1fee3a0c5-250x250.webp)
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the irresistible delight of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! This easy recipe layers a buttery graham cracker crust with creamy cheesecake infused with fresh apples and a swirl of sweet caramel. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars are sure to impress. Ready to make a delicious dessert that everyone will love? Click through now for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions!