Why Make This Recipe

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the sweet and tart flavor of apples, all topped off with luscious caramel sauce. They are perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a sweet treat at home. Easy to make and delicious, these bars are sure to be a hit!

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup sugar
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups peeled and diced apples
1 cup caramel sauce
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, and caramel sauce (reserve some caramel for drizzling later). Pour the mixture over the crust in the pan.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before cutting into bars. Serve drizzled with additional caramel sauce.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Cut the bars into squares or rectangles and plate them attractively. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for a beautiful finish. You can serve these bars chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion.

How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Store the leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for about 3-5 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer!

Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Choose a tart variety of apples, like Granny Smith, for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
For extra flavor, you can add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the filling.
To make cutting easier, you can line the baking pan with parchment paper before adding the crust.

Variation

Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cinnamon for a spicier taste. You can also switch out the caramel sauce for a chocolate sauce if you prefer chocolate over caramel.

FAQs

Can I use ready-made crust instead of making my own?
Yes, you can save time by using a store-bought graham cracker crust.

What kind of apples work best in this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices as they provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs to make a gluten-free version of these bars.