When the leaves start to turn hues of amber and gold, there’s a magical allure to the warmth of baking and the inviting scent of caramel and apples wafting through the kitchen. I stumbled upon this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bar recipe during a cozy family gathering, and trust me, it quickly became a beloved favorite! Seeing my loved ones delightedly devour these gooey, dreamy bars was a heartwarming experience I wanted to capture and share. You’ll see—once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Let’s talk about the irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Imagine a creamy cheesecake enveloped with luscious caramel and tender apples, all while resting on a buttery graham cracker crust that gives it the perfect crunch. Seriously, what’s not to love? These bars are a symphony of flavors—sweet, tart, creamy, and just a hint of cinnamon that dances on your palate. Perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dinners, or just a cozy night in, they add that special touch to any occasion. Their appeal also lies in their simplicity. You don’t have to be a pro baker to nail this recipe; it’s approachable, delightful, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, they’re the kind of dessert that’s destined to become a family heirloom, one you’ll pass down for generations to come.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s get down to business with what you’ll need, shall we?
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 ½ cups): The foundation of our scrumptious crust! You can crush whole crackers in a food processor or place them in a zip-lock bag and smash them with a rolling pin—great stress relief, too!
- Sugar (⅓ cup + 1 cup): A touch in the crust, and the other in the cheesecake filling. I recommend using granulated sugar, but brown sugar can be a lovely swap for a hint of caramel depth.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): This binds and enriches the crust. Make sure it’s good quality—trust me, it makes a difference.
- Cream cheese (2 packages, 8 oz each, softened): The star of the show here! Allow it to come to room temperature for optimal mixing. It should be creamy and smooth—no lumps allowed!
- Large eggs (2): These are your binding agents. Remember, room temperature eggs incorporate better into the mix.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): A splash that adds warmth and sweetness. Go for pure vanilla extract—it elevates the taste.
- Chopped apples (2 cups): Choose a mix of your favorite apples! Granny Smith gives tartness, while Gala adds sweetness. Just peel, core, and chop them into bite-sized cubes.
- Caramel sauce (1 cup): Drizzle it generously for that luxurious finish. Feel free to go for homemade or your favorite store-bought version.
- Cinnamon (1 tsp): It brings the whole dish together. You can even toast it briefly in a dry pan before adding to amplify its flavor!
Preparing Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Alright, let’s dive right into putting these scrumptious bars together!
- Preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan. You want it non-stick for easy bar removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and melted butter. Use a fork to mix it until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your greased pan, creating that lovely crust we all adore.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until it’s smooth as silk. This is where the magic begins! Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each one—this step ensures a fluffy filling.
- Now, gently fold in those chopped apples and cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture. Don’t overmix; we want those chunks of apple to be front and center!
- Pour the luscious filling over the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Here comes the fun part! Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and take a butter knife to give it a gentle swirl. You want to create beautiful marbled patterns—like a work of art!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the center smiles back at you and is set. It might jiggle just a bit; that’s okay!
- Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Patience, my friend! Serve them chilled if you can wait, or at room temperature—there’s no wrong way to enjoy these gems.
Best way to enjoy it
When it comes to serving, the possibilities are as delightful as the bars themselves. I recommend cutting them into generous squares and perhaps garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon or an additional drizzle of caramel. If you want to elevate the experience, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that irresistible contrast of warm and cold. Got some pecans or walnuts lying around? Toss those on top for a nutty crunch. These bars can also shine at potlucks—trust me, you’ll be the star of the dessert table!
Keeping leftovers fresh
Leftover bars? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll last for about 5 days (if they manage to stay around that long!). If you want to store them for longer, these bars freeze beautifully. Just slice them, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-friendly container. When you’re ready to indulge, simply let them thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Your taste buds will thank you later!
Extra tips and advice
I’ve got some pro-level secrets up my sleeve! For a richer taste, try blending in a splash of sour cream into the cream cheese mixture—it adds a lovely tang. Also, to really make those flavors pop, consider adding a splash of apple cider or even a bit of nutmeg into the filling. If you find yourself with leftover apples, toss in caramelized apple bits for added texture. And don’t be afraid to invite your little ones into the kitchen; this recipe is perfect for some bonding time while stirring and swirlying!
Recipe variations
Feeling adventurous? Switch things up with this recipe! Want a chocolate twist? Try drizzling melted chocolate over the caramel. How about pumpkin spice? Swap in pumpkin puree for half the cream cheese and add pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon. The options are endless! You can even experiment with different types of nuts or seeds to enhance the flavor profile. Just remember, cooking should be fun and free!
Ingredients
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups chopped apples
1 cup caramel sauce
1 tsp cinnamon
Directions to follow
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch pan.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Fold in chopped apples and cinnamon.
- Pour the mixture over the crust; spread evenly.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top and swirl with a knife.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set.
- Let cool before slicing into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are more than just a dessert; they become a part of your memory and moments shared with those you cherish. I encourage you to try this recipe, get creative with your own spins, and share your experiences below. You’re not just cooking; you’re creating memories, one delectable bite at a time. Enjoy!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and luscious caramel, all resting on a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
For the crust:
For the cheesecake filling:
Directions
Prepare
-
Preheat and grease the pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9-inch baking pan. -
Make the crust
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ⅓ cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand.Press mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. -
Prepare the filling
In another bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. -
Fold in apples
Gently fold in chopped apples and cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture.Don't overmix. -
Assemble the bars
Pour the mixture over the crust and spread evenly. Drizzle caramel sauce on top and swirl with a knife. -
Bake
Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set and jiggles slightly.Let cool completely before slicing into bars.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 17g27%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 180mg8%
- Potassium 150mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 17g
- Protein 4g8%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 4 mg
- Calcium 80 mg
- Iron 1 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 1 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.2 mg
- Niacin 0.5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.1 mg
- Folate 15 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.5 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 90 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 10 mg
- Zinc 0.5 mg
- Selenium 0 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.2 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and/or a drizzle of caramel.
