Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce.
These bars offer all the flavors of classic cheesecake and caramel apples in an easy-to-make, sliceable treat. Perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime you crave a rich and decadent dessert!
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Spatula
- Parchment paper
Ingredients Overview
- Graham cracker crust: A buttery, slightly crunchy base that supports the creamy layers.
- Cheesecake filling: A smooth, rich layer of cream cheese and sugar.
- Apple layer: Fresh apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for warm flavor.
- Streusel topping: A crumbly, buttery topping that adds texture.
- Caramel sauce: The finishing touch for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Apple Layer
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Caramel Drizzle
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Directions
- Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well, then press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Prepare the Apple Layer
- In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Evenly distribute the spiced apples over the cheesecake layer.
- Make the Streusel Topping
- In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- Bake the Bars
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel topping is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Add the Caramel Drizzle
- Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
40 minutes
Chill Time
2 hours
Total Time
3 hours
Nutrition (per serving, ~12 servings)
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~5g
Expert Tips
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples balance the sweetness and hold their shape during baking.
- Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating for at least 2 hours makes it easier to cut clean bars.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a day ahead and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I make this without a graham cracker crust?
Yes! Substitute with crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or a shortbread crust.
How long do these bars last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Freeze without the caramel drizzle in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and drizzle with caramel before serving.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nut-Free: Omit oats from the streusel and use extra flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- **Prepare the Crust**
- - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- - In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well, then press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- - Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool while preparing the filling.
- **Make the Cheesecake Layer**
- - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- - Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- **Prepare the Apple Layer**
- - In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- - Evenly distribute the spiced apples over the cheesecake layer.
- **Make the Streusel Topping**
- - In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
- - Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- **Bake the Bars**
- - Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel topping is golden brown.
- - Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- **Add the Caramel Drizzle**
- - Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
Leave a Reply