Go Back
As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, the culinary world embraces the warm, inviting flavors of autumn. One standout combination that captures the essence of the season is the delightful pairing of caramel and apples. This timeless duo evokes images of apple orchards and cozy gatherings, making it a beloved choice for fall desserts. Among the many creative ways to showcase this sweet alliance, Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars rise to the occasion, seamlessly blending the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the fresh crunch of apples and the decadent sweetness of caramel.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Embrace the flavors of fall with these delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! This recipe combines a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling with fresh apples, and a decadent caramel topping for an irresistible dessert. Perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or cozy nights at home, these bars are easy to make and sure to impress. Get ready to indulge in a sweet taste of autumn that's both comforting and delightful!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

⅓ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

For the cheesecake filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1 ½ cups diced apples (peeled and cored)

1 tsp lemon juice

½ tsp ground cinnamon

¼ tsp nutmeg

For the caramel topping:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal.

    Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix well until the crumbs resemble wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.

      Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove it and set aside to cool slightly.

        Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

          Prepare the apples: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.

            Combine the mixture: Gently fold the cinnamon-spiced apple mixture into the cheesecake batter until evenly distributed. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread it evenly using a spatula.

              Bake the cheesecake: Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for an additional 10 minutes.

                Cool the bars: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

                  Add the caramel topping: Once the cheesecake has chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. If using nuts, sprinkle them over the caramel for added crunch.

                    Serve: Lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the overhanging parchment paper. Cut into squares, serve chilled, and enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars!

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 5 hours | 12 servings