Go Back
- 1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons sugar - 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 3 large eggs - 2 cups diced apples (peeled and cored, preferably Granny Smith) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional) To make these caramel apple cheesecake bars, you need a mix of classic and simple ingredients. The graham cracker crumbs give a crunchy base. The melted butter helps to bind the crust. Sugar adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors. For the filling, you use cream cheese, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. Granulated sugar sweetens the filling, while vanilla extract adds depth. Eggs help the cheesecake set perfectly. You can choose Granny Smith apples for their tartness. Dicing them adds a nice bite to each bar. Cinnamon brings warmth and complements the apples well. The caramel sauce adds sweetness and that lovely gooey texture. You can also drizzle more caramel on top for extra flavor. If you want to mix things up, try adding nuts or a dash of nutmeg for a unique twist. Prepping the crust Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper over the sides to help lift the bars later. In a bowl, mix 1 and 1/2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool a bit. Making the cream cheese filling In a large bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer. Mix until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar. Keep mixing until creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Then, add 3 large eggs one at a time. Beat well after each egg. The mixture should be smooth and well combined. Incorporating apples and caramel Peel and core 2 cups of Granny Smith apples, then dice them. Toss the apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until coated. Gently fold the apple mix into the cream cheese batter. Pour this mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust. Drizzle 1/2 cup of caramel sauce on top. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the batter for a pretty look. Temperature and time guidelines Place the dish in the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be set, and the center may jiggle a bit. Once done, turn off the oven and crack the door open. Let the bars cool for about an hour inside. Cooling instructions After cooling, place the dish in the fridge for at least 3 hours. For the best taste, chill overnight. When ready, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares. You may drizzle extra caramel sauce on top if you like. Achieving the perfect consistency To get the best texture, beat the cream cheese well. It needs to be smooth and free of lumps. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it mix better. Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each. This keeps the batter creamy. Avoiding common mistakes Do not overbake the cheesecake bars. They should be set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. This is key for a creamy bite. Also, check your oven temperature with a thermometer. Ovens can vary, and this helps avoid uneven baking. Pairing with ice cream or toppings These bars taste great with vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream balances the sweet caramel and creamy cheesecake. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed nuts for extra crunch. Presentation tips for serving Cut the bars into even squares for a neat look. Drizzle extra caramel on top before serving for a stunning finish. You can also add a slice of apple on each bar for a fresh touch. This makes them look fancy and inviting. {{image_2}} You can play with flavor by using different apples. Granny Smith apples add a tartness that balances the sweet cheesecake. Fuji apples give more sweetness, while Honeycrisp adds a nice crunch. You can also mix apple types for a unique taste. Caramel sauce also offers many choices. You can use store-bought caramel for ease. If you want a homey touch, make your own caramel sauce. A dash of sea salt in your caramel adds a nice twist. A splash of bourbon can make it richer and deeper. If you need gluten-free bars, swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free options. Almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies work well. Just make sure your caramel sauce is gluten-free too. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese. You can also replace eggs with flaxseed or applesauce. Coconut cream can add creaminess without dairy. Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a natural sweetener. To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This keeps them moist and tasty. You can also cover them with plastic wrap. If you want to freeze them, cut them into squares first. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This way, they stay fresh for later. These cheesecake bars can last in the fridge for up to a week. If you freeze them, they can last for about three months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for a change in color or any off smell. If they seem dry or crumbly, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste! Can I use a different type of crust? Yes, you can. If you want a different flavor, try using Oreo or shortbread cookies. Just crush them and mix with melted butter. Press the mixture into the pan as you would with graham crackers. This change adds a fun twist to your bars. What if I don’t have cream cheese? If you're out of cream cheese, you can use ricotta cheese. It creates a similar creamy texture. Just blend it well to make it smooth. You can also try a dairy-free cream cheese if needed. It works well in this recipe too. Can these bars be made ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare these bars a day or two in advance. Just bake and chill them as directed. They taste even better after resting in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, just add caramel sauce on top for a fresh look. This blog post covered all you need for cheesecake bars. We discussed ingredients, from the perfect apples to tips for cream cheese. I've shared step-by-step instructions, baking times, and how to cool them right. We looked at fun variations, dietary swaps, and smart storage ideas. Remember, baking is both a science and an art. With the right approach, you'll make delicious treats every time. Enjoy the process and share your tasty creations!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the ultimate dessert with these delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars! Made with a creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and a buttery graham cracker crust, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this recipe combines the classic flavors of caramel and apple for a sweet treat that will impress your friends and family.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 and 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons sugar

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 large eggs

2 cups diced apples (peeled and cored, preferably Granny Smith)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Additional caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir well until the mixture resembles wet sand.

      Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.

        In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add in the granulated sugar and mix until creamy.

          Add the vanilla extract and one egg at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure the mixture is fully combined and smooth.

            In another bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon until well coated. Fold the apple mixture gently into the cream cheese batter until evenly distributed.

              Pour the cream cheese and apple mixture on top of the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

                Drizzle the caramel sauce across the top of the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or spatula to lightly swirl the caramel through the batter for a marbled effect.

                  Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door, letting the cheesecake bars cool for an hour.

                    Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results. When ready to serve, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.

                      Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top of each bar if desired before serving.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time) | Servings: 24 bars