Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Layered with a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with spiced apples and rich caramel sauce, this dessert combines the best of classic fall flavors. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars will be a hit with family and friends alike!

Chantel Rivers

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2025-12-13T15:16:02.405Z

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The creamy cheesecake layer is complemented by the sweetness of caramel and the tartness of spiced apples, making it a seasonal favorite!

A Perfect Fall Dessert

As autumn arrives and the leaves begin to change, there's no better way to embrace the season than with a dessert that highlights its signature flavors. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars encapsulate the essence of fall with the sweetness of caramel, the tartness of apples, and the creamy richness of cheesecake. These bars are not only visually appealing but also provide a comforting taste of nostalgia that evokes memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.

Whether you're hosting a cozy get-together or seeking a comforting treat for yourself, these cheesecake bars are the perfect solution. They are simple to prepare and make an impressive addition to any dessert table. Plus, the combination of textures—from the crunchy crust to the smooth cheesecake and tender spiced apples—ensures that each bite is a delightful experience.

Enhancing your dessert offerings with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars will undoubtedly elevate your fall festivities. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat that friends and family will rave about.

Customizing Your Bars

One of the beautiful aspects of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars is their versatility. While this recipe features a classic caramel and apple combination, you can easily make adaptations to suit your taste. Consider adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for an extra crunch, or mix in some raisins for added sweetness. If you prefer a more pronounced spice flavor, experiment by incorporating nutmeg or ginger into the apple mixture.

For those who enjoy a decadent chocolate flavor, drizzling melted chocolate over the caramel can transform these bars into a delightful chocolate-apple fusion. You could even swap the graham cracker crust for an oatmeal or brownie crust to change the dessert's base. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to personalize this treat for any occasion, be it Thanksgiving or a cozy family dinner.

Don't hesitate to get creative! Making small adjustments to the recipe can yield a unique dessert that reflects your personal flavor preferences and makes each batch special.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Apple Topping

  • 3 cups apples, peeled and diced
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce

  • 1 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Make the Crust

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the sour cream.

Bake the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the center is set.

Prepare the Apple Topping

While the cheesecake is baking, combine diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a pan. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender.

Assemble and Drizzle with Caramel

Once the cheesecake is done and slightly cooled, layer the cooked apples on top and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Cool and Serve

Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

For best flavor, refrigerate the bars for a few hours before serving.

Texture and Flavor Profile

The combination of textures in Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars truly sets them apart. The crumbled graham cracker crust provides a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling. The spiced apple topping adds a tender texture along with warm, fall flavors, while the caramel drizzle brings sweetness and richness to each bite.

With every layer contributing to a well-rounded flavor profile, these bars feature a symphony of tastes. The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the caramel and apples, creating a harmonious dessert experience. Each layer plays a role in delighting the palate, ensuring that every forkful is packed with complex and satisfying flavors that celebrate the essence of autumn.

Why Use Fresh Apples?

Using fresh apples in your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars is key to achieving the best flavor and texture. Fresh, crisp apples not only provide a pleasant crunch but also bring a natural tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet cheesecake and caramel. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are excellent choices, as they hold their shape well during cooking and offer a delightful flavor balance.

Additionally, fresh apples provide nutrients, such as dietary fiber and essential vitamins, making your dessert a touch healthier. The lively taste of fresh fruit elevates the dessert, making it a standout treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome. When selecting your apples, aim for firm, unblemished fruit for the best results in your bars.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought crust?

Yes, a store-bought graham cracker crust can be used for convenience.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Layered with a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with spiced apples and rich caramel sauce, this dessert combines the best of classic fall flavors. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, these bars will be a hit with family and friends alike!

Prep Time20.0
Cooking Duration45.0
Overall Time65.0

Created by: Chantel Rivers

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 12.0

What You'll Need

For the Crust

  1. 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  2. 1/2 cup butter, melted
  3. 1/4 cup sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

  1. 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  2. 1 cup sugar
  3. 1 tsp vanilla extract
  4. 2 eggs
  5. 1/2 cup sour cream

For the Apple Topping

  1. 3 cups apples, peeled and diced
  2. 1/2 cup sugar
  3. 1 tsp cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce

  1. 1 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well mixed. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.

Step 03

In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in the sour cream.

Step 04

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth the top. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the center is set.

Step 05

While the cheesecake is baking, combine diced apples, sugar, and cinnamon in a pan. Cook over medium heat until the apples are tender.

Step 06

Once the cheesecake is done and slightly cooled, layer the cooked apples on top and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Step 07

Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Protein: 5g