Okay, friend, let’s dive into this deliciousness!

I’m Nyla from Grill Drip, and I’m SO stoked to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! These aren’t your average dessert bars. We’re talking about a creamy, dreamy cheesecake swirled with sweet and tart apples and a generous drizzle of caramel. It’s like fall exploded in the best way possible… in dessert form!

It all started one late night when I was craving something sweet but also a little bit comforting. I had some apples leftover from apple picking and a serious cheesecake craving. So, naturally, I decided to see what happened if I threw them together! The result? Pure kitchen magic! Seriously, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars were a happy accident that has become a staple in my house. The creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and sweet caramel create the perfect symphony of flavors and textures.

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars turn every meal into a special event. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! Let’s get baking, fellow food lovers!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Don’t be intimidated by the list – it’s mostly pantry staples, I promise.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Apple Topping:
- 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are my faves)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars gets its amazing taste from the quality of apples and caramel you use! I love using Honeycrisp apples because they hold their shape well and have a great balance of sweet and tart. If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel is totally fine! But if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade caramel takes this dessert to the next level. And here’s my little secret that takes it from good to incredible: A pinch of sea salt to the caramel. It cuts the sweetness and adds a wonderful depth of flavor! Store the caramel sauce in the fridge, and the cream cheese should be at room temperature.

No worries if you don’t have graham crackers – I use digestive biscuits all the time in my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! You can grab all these ingredients during your normal shopping trip. I love adding extra cinnamon to my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for that extra kick, and a splash of apple cider vinegar to the apple mixture balances the sweetness.

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – watch the magic happen! Follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying these delicious bars in no time.

1. Prep the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes. This will set the crust and prevent it from getting soggy.

2. Make the Apple Topping: While the crust is baking, prepare the apple topping. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Cook until the apples are softened and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Let the apple mixture cool slightly. Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars should smell absolutely incredible right now!

3. Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can cause the cheesecake to crack. This is where the magic starts happening!

4. Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust. Dollop the apple topping evenly over the cheesecake filling. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the apple topping into the cheesecake filling. This creates a beautiful marbled effect.

5. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and let the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars cool in the oven for 30 minutes with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracking. In my kitchen, this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars usually takes about 32 minutes to get that perfect jiggly center.

6. Chill: Remove the cheesecake bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to set completely and the flavors to meld together.

7. Drizzle and Serve: Before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Cut into squares and enjoy! If you are looking for other caramel apple treats, you should try these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars | The Girl Who Ate Everything!

Don’t worry if your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars looks a little cracked on top. It’ll still taste amazing! I’ve learned that the key to preventing cracks is to not overbake the cheesecake and to let it cool gradually. My favorite trick? I put a pan of water on the rack below. The steam helps keep it moist!

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars hits the table with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans. Trust me, the combination is divine!

I love to enjoy these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. The creamy cheesecake and sweet apples pair perfectly with a warm or cold beverage. For a truly decadent experience, try serving these bars with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream. The saltiness of the ice cream cuts through the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. If you are looking for more caramel apple treats, try this Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake!

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! They are also great for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family.

For presentation, I like to arrange the bars on a platter and garnish with a few fresh apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This adds a pop of color and visual appeal. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the bars.

Looking for a fusion variation? Try adding a layer of gingersnap cookies to the crust for a warm and spicy twist. For leftover transformations, crumble the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious and easy dessert. This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars reminds me of another bold flavor favorite – Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe! It’s the perfect drink to serve with these bars!

FAQs:

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! I’ve experimented a lot with this recipe, and I’m happy to share my knowledge with you.

Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is surprisingly easy to make. The most important thing is to follow the instructions carefully and don’t overbake the cheesecake.

Q: What if I mess up my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

A: Don’t worry! Even if your cheesecake cracks or the apple topping isn’t perfectly swirled, it’ll still taste amazing. Imperfections add character!

Q: How can I prep this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for busy weeknights?

A: You can make the crust and apple topping ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to bake the cheesecake, just whip up the filling and assemble the bars.

Q: Can I use different types of apples?

A: Yes! I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples because they hold their shape well and have a great balance of sweet and tart. But you can use any type of apple you like.

Q: Can I make this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?

A: Yes! Just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Q: How long will these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars last?

A: These bars will last for up to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Q: Can I freeze these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

A: Yes! Wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before serving. Another version of this dessert is Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – Anna Banana.

Q: What if I don’t have sour cream?

A: No problem! You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream. It will add a similar tang and creaminess to the cheesecake filling.

CONCLUSION:

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring me so much joy because they’re the perfect combination of comfort and indulgence. They’re also a great way to use up apples in the fall!

Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars drizzled with caramel sauce

My Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Flavor Secrets:

Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the cheesecake will taste.
Don’t overbake: Overbaking will cause the cheesecake to crack.
Let it cool gradually: Cooling the cheesecake slowly in the oven helps prevent cracking.

Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Variations I’ve Tested:

Gingersnap Crust: Use gingersnap cookies instead of graham crackers for a warm and spicy twist.
Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce for a salty-sweet flavor explosion.
Pecan Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cheesecake before baking for a nutty crunch.

I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative with this recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. And for more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out Vegan Apple Crumble Cheesecake!

I’m so excited for you to try these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! I know you’re going to love them. These easy caramel apple cheesecake are great! I hope you enjoy this flavor adventure as much as I do. Happy baking, my friend! Also, this dessert is great as fall cheesecake bars, and the apple cheesecake squares are delicious! You should also try Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. You should also try more cheesecake bars with apples!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Print Recipe

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall dessert! Creamy cheesecake filling sits atop a graham cracker crust and is swirled with caramel and topped with sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Yield: 16 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
For the Apple Topping:
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Caramel Swirl:
1/2 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in vanilla extract and then eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream.
Prepare the Apple Topping: While the crust is baking, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until apples are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Swirl in caramel sauce. Top with cooked apples.
Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade caramel sauce. Serve chilled and enjoy!