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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a luscious dessert combining a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layers, tender spiced apples, and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfectly balancing sweet, tart, and warm autumn flavors, these bars are easy to make, slice, and serve — ideal for cozy fall gatherings or any time you crave a comforting treat with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups finely crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 6 tbsp melted butter

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

  • 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Filling

  • 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced tart apples (such as Granny Smith)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar

Caramel Topping

  • 1/2 to 3/4 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought), warmed for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Combine the finely crushed graham crackers with melted butter and brown sugar. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a lined baking pan to create a sturdy, flavorful base. Chill briefly to set.
  2. Sauté the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples. In a pan over medium heat, sauté the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar until they become tender but still hold their shape, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, being careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
  4. Layer the Apples and Filling: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust and spread evenly. Scatter the sautéed apples evenly over this layer. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top and gently smooth the surface.
  5. Bake and Add Caramel: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool completely, then drizzle warm caramel sauce generously over the bars before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
  • Do not overbake; slight jiggle ensures creamy texture and prevents cracking.
  • Use fresh, warm caramel sauce drizzled just before serving for best flavor and appearance.
  • Chill bars thoroughly before cutting for clean slices.
  • Line baking pan with parchment paper to easily lift bars and keep edges neat.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple dessert bars, cheesecake bars, caramel dessert, autumn baking