Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a sweet treat you won’t forget! With creamy cheesecake and bits of tart apples, each bite gets topped off with gooey caramel. Yum!
These bars are perfect for a snack or dessert. I love serving them at gatherings; they disappear so fast! Just a warning: you might want to keep some for yourself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of the bars. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or cookies like vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Apples: Granny Smith gives a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness. You can also use Fuji or Braeburn apples. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, consider using pears instead!
Cream Cheese: This is crucial for that creamy cheesecake texture. If you’re dairy-free, check for plant-based cream cheese alternatives that are readily available nowadays. Remember, the consistency might vary slightly.
Caramel Sauce: For topping, store-bought is convenient, but homemade is simple and can be customized. If making your own isn’t an option, try melted chocolate or even a fruit glaze as a topping instead.
What’s the Best Way to Cook the Apples for This Recipe?
Cooking the apples properly is key for flavor! Sautéing them brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a skillet, and start with medium heat to melt butter.
- Add sliced apples along with brown sugar and spices, stirring occasionally.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, enough time for the apples to soften but still hold their shape.
- Let them cool slightly before adding to the cheesecake layer, as warm apples can destabilize the cheesecake.
Always taste the apples after cooking; feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice based on your preference!
Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crumb Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, with an additional 40-50 minutes for baking. Don’t forget to set aside at least 3 hours for chilling in the fridge before serving. Your patience will be rewarded with these delicious bars!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until everything is evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased or parchment-lined 9×9 inch baking pan. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden, and then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
2. Cook the Apples:
While your crust is baking, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Stir occasionally and cook until the apples are tender and caramelized, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, take them off the heat and let them cool a bit.
3. Make the Cheesecake Layer:
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sugar, using an electric mixer to beat them together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract for that yummy flavor.
4. Assemble the Bottom Layers:
Spread half of the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust. Now, arrange the cooked apple slices over the cheesecake layer. Gently spread the remaining cheesecake batter over the apples, being sure to cover them well.
5. Make the Crumb Topping:
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix the ingredients with a fork until you get large crumbs. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
6. Bake:
Return the pan to the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is mostly set and the crumb topping is golden brown. Be careful not to overbake as we want the cheesecake to remain creamy.
7. Cool and Chill:
After baking, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate them for at least 3 hours or, for best results, overnight. This will help them firm up beautifully.
8. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, drizzle the bars generously with caramel sauce. Cut them into squares and savor the deliciousness!
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars blend a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, delightful spiced apples, crumbly streusel topping, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to be a favorite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are popular choices, you can also use Fuji, Braeburn, or even pears for a twist. Just try to stick with apples that have a good balance of sweetness and tartness.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
If you’d like to make these cheesecake bars gluten-free, simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or ground nuts. For the flour in the crumb topping, you can use a gluten-free baking mix or almond flour.
Can I Freeze Leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze these cheesecake bars! Allow them to chill completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and add fresh caramel drizzle just before enjoying.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For the best texture, avoid leaving them at room temperature for too long, especially in warm weather!