Introduction

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the best flavors of fall into a delicious, handheld treat. With a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping, these bars are perfect for dessert or a special snack.

The image shows two square pieces of dessert stacked on a white plate with a white marbled texture underneath. Each piece has three clear layers: a crumbly brown base, a thick creamy white middle, and a topping of small apple chunks and crumbly brown bits; all are covered with a glossy caramel sauce that drips down the sides. The background has more pieces of the same dessert, blurred to focus on the front stack. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
16 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the crust by mixing graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl.
Step 3: Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 4: Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool while you prepare the other layers.
Step 5: For the cheesecake layer, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Step 7: Stir in vanilla extract, then pour the mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Step 8: Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl.
Step 9: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Step 10: To make the streusel topping, mix flour and brown sugar in a bowl.
Step 11: Cut in cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
Step 12: Stir in chopped pecans if desired, then sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
Step 13: Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake layer is set.
Step 14: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 15: Make the caramel sauce by combining granulated sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Step 16: Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns amber, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 17: Remove from heat and carefully whisk in heavy cream (it will bubble vigorously).
Step 18: Stir in butter and salt until smooth, then let the caramel cool slightly.
Step 19: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweet caramel and cheesecake.
To add extra crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts in the streusel topping.
For a quicker version, use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making your own.
Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.

Storage

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Reheat bars briefly in the microwave to soften the caramel sauce if desired.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a layered dessert with four distinct layers: at the bottom, a thick brown crumbly crust; above it, a creamy white layer that looks soft and smooth; then a thin layer of caramel sauce with some bits inside; topped with another creamy white layer; and finally, a golden-brown streusel with small chopped nuts and crumbs, drizzled generously with caramel sauce that drips slightly down the sides. The dessert sits on a smooth surface with caramel pooling around its base. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute Granny Smith apples with other tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Avoid very sweet apples to keep the flavor balanced.

Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until serving. Adding the caramel sauce just before serving keeps it fresh and saucy.