Go Back
To make these tasty bars, you need some key items: - 2 cups graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 large eggs - 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Whipped cream for serving (optional) - Chopped pecans for garnish (optional) These ingredients come together to create a creamy, sweet, and crunchy treat. The apples and caramel give it a rich flavor that will wow everyone. To make your bars even better, consider adding these fun toppings: - Whipped cream - Chopped pecans - Extra caramel sauce These garnishes add texture and flavor. They make each bite special and fun. To prepare these cheesecake bars, you will need a few tools: - 9x13 inch baking pan - Parchment paper - Medium mixing bowl - Large mixing bowl - Electric mixer or whisk - Knife for cutting Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. You can find most of these items in your kitchen. For a complete guide on how to put this all together, check the Full Recipe for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Enjoy making this easy and delicious treat! Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This helps with easy removal later. In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir until the crumbs feel moist. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan. Make sure it's even and compact. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool a bit. In a large mixing bowl, beat together 2 packages of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it is smooth and creamy. Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each addition. In another bowl, take 2 cups of peeled and diced apples. Toss them with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Fold this apple mix into the cream cheese mixture gently. This will add great flavor. Now, pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the pan. Spread it out evenly. Drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the top. Use a knife to swirl it around a bit for a marbled look. Bake everything in the oven for 35-40 minutes. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle. Let the bars cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Once cooled, put them in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight. This makes cutting easier. When ready to serve, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares. You can drizzle more caramel on top if you like. Add whipped cream and chopped pecans for a tasty finish. To get the best cheesecake texture, start with room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can turn lumpy. Beat the cream cheese well until it is smooth and creamy. This step is key for a rich filling. When you add eggs, mix them in one at a time. This keeps the batter smooth. Avoid over-mixing after adding eggs. Over-mixing can make the cheesecake too airy and cause cracks. Swirling caramel into your cheesecake adds a fun look and flavor. After pouring the batter into the pan, drizzle your caramel sauce over the top. Use a knife or a toothpick to create swirls. Don’t overdo it; you want to see both the cheesecake and caramel. If you prefer more caramel flavor, add extra swirls. Just remember, a little goes a long way. There are a few mistakes to watch for when making these bars. First, don’t skip the cooling steps. Allow the crust to cool before adding the cheesecake mix. This helps keep the layers separate. Second, avoid opening the oven door while baking. This can change the temperature and make your bars sink. Lastly, refrigerating the bars is a must. This helps them set well and makes cutting easier. For more tips, check the Full Recipe for details. {{image_2}} If you need a gluten-free crust, use ground almonds or gluten-free graham crackers. Both options give a nice flavor and texture. Just mix these with melted butter and sugar as you would with regular crumbs. Press it down firmly in the pan for a solid base. To make this recipe dairy-free, you can use vegan cream cheese. Brands like Tofutti or Kite Hill work well. They have a similar texture and taste. You can also try silken tofu blended until smooth. This option is lighter and still creamy. You can play with flavors in this recipe. Try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice for warmth. You can also use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a richer taste. For a fun twist, mix in some chopped caramel candies in the batter for extra sweetness. Explore these variations to make the caramel apple cheesecake bars fit your needs and preferences. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place the bars in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out. You can also cover them tightly with plastic wrap. They will stay good for up to five days. If you plan to enjoy them later, think about freezing. Freezing these bars is simple. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag or container. Label it with the date. These bars can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, take out only what you need. To enjoy your frozen bars, thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you want them a bit warm, you can heat them in the microwave. Just place a bar on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for about 15-20 seconds. This will make the caramel gooey and delicious again. Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream for extra delight. The Full Recipe is a great guide for making these tasty treats. Yes, you can use different fruits in these bars. Pears, peaches, or berries work well. Just remember to adjust the spices to match the fruit. For example, you might skip the nutmeg when using berries. If you need a substitute for cream cheese, try mascarpone or Greek yogurt. Both will give a creamy texture. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese if you prefer. You can store these bars in the fridge for about five days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Yes, refrigerating the cheesecake bars is important. It helps them set properly. Chilling makes them easier to cut and gives the flavors time to blend. I recommend chilling them for at least three hours, or even overnight for best results. In this article, we explored how to make delicious caramel apple cheesecake bars. We covered essential ingredients, tools needed, and clear steps for a perfect bake. I shared tips for texture, caramel techniques, and common mistakes to avoid. Plus, we looked at tasty variations and best storage practices for leftovers. With these insights, you can confidently create your own bars. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, and don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own!

- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars that combine creamy cheesecake with sweet, spiced apples and rich caramel. This easy recipe is perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll create a dessert that will impress everyone. Don't wait—click through to discover how to make these irresistible bars and treat yourself to a slice of heavenly goodness!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 large eggs

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (approx. 2 medium apples)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Whipped cream for serving (optional)

Chopped pecans for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

      Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create the crust, ensuring it is even and compact. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

        In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

          Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition until fully incorporated.

            In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg until coated. Gently fold the apple mixture into the cream cheese mixture.

              Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the pan, spreading evenly.

                Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake batter and use a knife to swirl it slightly for a marbled effect.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set and slightly jiggly. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.

                    Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 3 hours or overnight for easier cutting.

                      To serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired. Top with whipped cream and chopped pecans for an extra treat!

                        - Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes | Servings: 16 bars