Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together the best of creamy cheesecake and fresh apples with a touch of caramel sweetness. They have a crisp graham cracker crust that provides a buttery base to hold all the flavors. These bars are ideal for dessert after a family dinner or for serving at a friendly gathering when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Every bite offers a rich, smooth texture mingling perfectly with tender apples and the sticky finish of caramel.

I remember making this during a chilly autumn afternoon, and it quickly became a favorite in my home. The way the apples soften but still hold a little crunch makes it irresistible.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: provide a crisp, buttery base choose finely ground crumbs for an even texture
• Unsalted butter melted: binds the crust and adds richness use high-quality butter for the best flavor
• Granulated sugar: sweetens the crust evenly make sure it is fresh and dry
• Fresh apples chopped: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are preferred for their balance of tartness and sweetness look for firm, crisp apples
• Cream cheese softened: the creamy core of the bars bring to room temperature for smooth mixing
• Large eggs room temperature: help the cheesecake set they blend better when not cold
• Caramel sauce: the finishing touch that adds indulgent sweetness use a thick caramel for drizzling that does not run too much

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:

Set your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit 160 degrees Celsius and line an 8 by 8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures the bars will come out easily without sticking.

Make the Graham Cracker Crust:

In a bowl combine the graham cracker crumbs melted butter and sugar. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. This forms a sturdy and flavorful base.

Beat the Cream Cheese Mixture:

In another mixing bowl beat the softened cream cheese until it is completely smooth. Gradually add sugar and then eggs one at a time blending well after each addition. This method prevents lumps and creates a smooth filling.

Fold in the Chopped Apples:

Gently fold the chopped apples into the cream cheese mixture being careful not to overmix. The apples add texture and a fresh flavor contrast in each bite.

Bake the Bars:

Pour the cream cheese and apple mixture evenly over the crust in the pan. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly to avoid overbaking and maintain creaminess.

Cool and Add Caramel Drizzle:

Once the bars are out of the oven let them cool completely on a wire rack. After cooling drizzle the caramel sauce over the top before slicing into nine squares. This final touch offers a sticky sweet finish that complements the tart apples and creamy cheesecake.

The cream cheese is my favorite ingredient because its smooth texture balances the tart apples perfectly. I have fond memories of making this with my kids in the kitchen and sharing the warm aroma of baking apples and caramel.

Storage Tips

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer wrap them tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed digestive biscuits for a similar texture with a different flavor. If you prefer a lighter cheesecake layer use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduce the sugar slightly to balance sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars chilled or at room temperature. Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. A cup of hot tea or coffee makes a lovely accompaniment as well.

Enjoy these bars chilled or at room temperature for best flavor. They are easy to make and perfect for sharing.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ What type of apples work best for these bars?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their balance of tartness and sweetness, providing great texture and flavor.

→ Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well and saves time, though homemade caramel adds a deeper flavor.

→ How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Press the graham cracker mixture firmly into the pan and bake briefly before adding the filling to help set the crust.

→ What’s the best way to ensure the filling is creamy yet set?

Bake until edges are firm but the center still jiggles slightly. It will set more as it cools.

→ Can these bars be stored after baking?

Yes, keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.