If you’re dreaming of a dessert that brilliantly combines the cozy flavors of autumn with a smooth, creamy texture, you’ve got to try this Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars bring together the crisp sweetness of spiced apples, velvety cheesecake, and a buttery graham cracker crust—all drizzled with luscious caramel. It’s the perfect treat that feels both indulgent and homey without demanding hours of kitchen wizardry. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving a slice of comfort, these bars promise a delightful experience in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to make these cheesecake bars couldn’t be simpler, and each ingredient plays a vital role. From the crunchy, cinnamon-kissed crust to the creamy, dreamy cheesecake layer and the vibrant spiced apples, your taste buds are in for a treat!
- Graham cracker crumbs (2 1/4 cups): The base that adds a buttery crunch with just a hint of cinnamon.
- Sugar (3 tbsp): Balances the crust sweetness perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp + 1 tsp + 1 tsp): Sprinkles warmth and fall flavor throughout crust, filling, and apples.
- Salted butter (1/2 cup, melted): Binds the crust with richness and depth.
- Cream cheese (24 ounces, room temperature): The silky star of the cheesecake layer providing tang and creaminess.
- Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake filling gently.
- All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Stabilizes the cheesecake for perfect slicing.
- Sour cream (3/4 cup, room temperature): Adds moisture and a subtle tartness that balances the sweet.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 tbsp + 1/2 tsp): Infuses rich aromatic vanilla flavors to the filling and topping.
- Eggs (3 large, room temperature): Bind the cheesecake layers to create that perfect custardy texture.
- Apples (2 large, chopped): The fresh, juicy element that brings crisp fruitiness and texture.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Sweetens the apples with a hint of molasses depth.
- Ground nutmeg (1/8 tsp): Adds subtle spiced warmth to the apple mixture.
- Lemon juice (a sprinkle): Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
- Caramel sauce (1/2 cup): The decadent drizzle that ties everything together beautifully.
- Heavy whipping cream (1/2 cup, cold): Whipped to fluffy perfection for a topping that lightens the richness.
- Powdered sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream topping.
How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to create an even crust, which will provide that essential crunchy base with just the right hint of cinnamon sweetness.
Step 2: Mix the cheesecake filling
Beat the room-temperature cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s completely smooth and creamy—no lumps here! Gradually add the sugar and flour while mixing to avoid clumps. Next, fold in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon to create a silky, flavorful mixture that’s going to melt in your mouth. Finally, add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined to preserve that perfect creamy texture without overbeating.
Step 3: Prepare the spiced apples
Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with the light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a sprinkle of lemon juice. This spice blend makes the apples sweet, juicy, and full of warming fall flavors while maintaining a bright, fresh taste thanks to the lemon’s acidity.
Step 4: Assemble the cheesecake bars
Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread it evenly. Then layer the spiced apples on top—try to keep them distributed evenly for every bite. Finally, gently spread the remaining cheesecake filling over the apples, sealing in all those delicious spices and texture contrasts that make these bars so irresistible.
Step 5: Bake and chill
Bake everything for about 50 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set and just starting to turn golden around the edges. Allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate them for at least four hours to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up so they slice beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For that final wow factor, whip together heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon until soft peaks form—then dollop this luscious whipped cream atop each bar. Drizzle with extra caramel sauce for an ooey-gooey finish that complements both the apples and cheesecake layers perfectly.
Side Dishes
These bars are a dessert delight all on their own, but if you want to make your gathering extra special, serve them alongside a warm spiced tea or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The ice cream melts slowly into the bars, creating a perfect temperature and flavor contrast that will have your guests asking for the recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, dust the bars with a little cinnamon sugar or finely chop toasted pecans and sprinkle them over the whipped cream just before serving. You could also cut the bars into bite-sized squares and serve them on a platter surrounded by fresh apple slices and small jars of caramel sauce for dipping. It’s a charming way to elevate the experience for parties or casual family gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to four days, which is perfect if you want to enjoy a little slice of this cozy dessert over several days without losing that signature creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze these cheesecake bars for up to two months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge to maintain that rich, creamy consistency without sacrificing flavor.
Reheating
Reheating cheesecake bars is usually not necessary, but if you like them slightly warm, pop them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery. A gentle reheating ensures the caramel sauce gets delightfully gooey without compromising the cheesecake’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use different apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work best to hold their shape and balance sweetness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can also add wonderful flavors depending on your taste preference.
Is it necessary to use room temperature ingredients?
Yes, using room temperature cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream helps the cheesecake filling blend smoothly and prevents lumps, resulting in a perfectly creamy texture.
Can I substitute caramel sauce with something else?
While caramel pairs beautifully with apples and cheesecake, you could try a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for a different sweet note, though the signature richness of caramel will be missed.
How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
The cheesecake should look set around the edges and only slightly jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can cause cracks, so it’s better to take them out as soon as they firm up.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free graham crackers or oat crumbs, and double-check your flour choice to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and caramel in this Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels both elegant and homey, perfect for celebrations or quiet weekend indulgences. Once you taste one, I promise you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for every season of cozy cravings. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to delight everyone with a treat that’s as easy to make as it is to love!
Print
Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cinnamon-spiced cheesecake filling layered with tender, caramelized apples. Perfectly baked until set and topped with a luscious caramel whipped cream, these bars offer a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’s ideal for a cozy dessert or holiday treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Apple Layer
- 2 large apples, chopped
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- Sprinkle of lemon juice
Caramel Whipped Cream Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake bars.
- Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan to form the crust.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat the room-temperature cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sugar and flour, mixing well to combine. Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until incorporated.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating just until mixed. Overbeating can cause cracks, so mix gently.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a sprinkle of lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness.
- Assemble the Bars: Pour half of the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Spread the spiced apple mixture evenly over this layer. Top with the remaining cheesecake filling, smoothing the surface.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes until the cheesecake filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least four hours to fully set and develop flavors.
- Prepare Caramel Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and caramel sauce. Whip until soft peaks form.
- Serve: Cut the cheesecake into bars and top each serving with a generous dollop of the caramel whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother cheesecake texture and even mixing.
- Do not overmix eggs into the batter to avoid cracks during baking.
- You can substitute Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter or tarter flavor.
- Chilling the cheesecake bars overnight improves the texture and flavor development.
- Leftover bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
