Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These bars pair soft cheesecake with tender apple bits and sweet caramel. The crust is simple and buttery. The filling is creamy and lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Each bite gives you a mix of smooth cheese, warm apple flavor, and sticky caramel. You get a dessert that feels like a slice of fall in every bar. The bars hold well, so they are easy to cut and serve at a party or keep for a snack.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe when you want a dessert that looks special but is not hard to make. The steps are straight and use common ingredients. You do not need a springform pan or many baking pans — a single 9×9 inch pan works. The bars chill and slice neatly, so you can make them ahead for gatherings. Kids and adults usually like the sweet apple and caramel combo. This recipe also lets you control how much caramel you add and how big the apple pieces are.
This recipe is a good pick for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday table. It keeps well in the fridge and travels fine when covered. If you like quick apple desserts that use caramel, you might also enjoy apple cinnamon scones with caramel as another sweet idea. Read the list of items you need, follow the steps, and you will have soft, creamy bars with a rich caramel swirl.
What You Need for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
You do not need fancy tools. A mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a spatula, a 9×9 inch baking pan, and a knife will do the job. A bowl for the crust and one for the filling help keep things tidy. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the apples so you do not overwork the cream cheese. A sharp knife helps to make clean slices after the bars chill. For best results, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature so it mixes smooth and without lumps.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Follow the steps below. Read through the whole list before you start so you can work smoothly.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in chopped apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to swirl it into the cheesecake filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Serve chilled.
Tips during the bake: watch the oven in the last 5 minutes so the top does not brown too much. The center should feel set but still slightly jiggly — it will firm up as it cools.
Best Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Serve the bars chilled and cut into squares. You can warm a little extra caramel sauce and drizzle it on top right before serving for a fresh sticky finish. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a richer treat. For a lighter option, top with a small spoon of plain Greek yogurt mixed with a touch of honey. These bars also go well with hot coffee or cider on a cool day.
For a party tray, arrange bars on a plate and dust with a light sprinkle of cinnamon. Smaller squares work well for a buffet so guests can try other dishes too. If you want a pretty look, top each bar with a thin slice of apple or a small cluster of chopped nuts.
How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Store the bars in the fridge in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. They keep well for up to 4 days. If you need to store longer, wrap tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw bars in the fridge overnight to keep texture and taste. Do not leave the bars at room temperature for more than two hours, as the cream cheese filling must stay cool.
When you cut the bars, wipe your knife between cuts for clean edges. This helps if you plan to stack or plate the bars for serving later. If the caramel becomes too firm in the fridge, let the bars sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the caramel.
Easy Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance with the sweet caramel.
- Chop the apples in small, even pieces to help them cook slightly while baking and to spread flavor evenly.
- Soften your cream cheese to room temperature so it mixes smooth and does not form lumps.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to make a solid base. A flat-bottomed glass helps press the crust evenly.
- Swirl the caramel gently — too much mixing will hide the caramel ribbons.
- Cool the bars fully before refrigerating; rapid cooling can help the texture set better.
- Use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry to make very clean slices when cutting. Heat the knife between cuts for neat bars.
Try These Variations of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
You can change small things to make new flavors. Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crust for more crunch. Mix a bit of brown sugar into the apple pieces before folding them into the filling for a deeper caramel note. Swap the graham crust for crushed vanilla cookies for a sweeter base.
For another apple and caramel treat in a different form, try apple cupcakes with salted caramel frosting. You can also add a streusel topping before baking for a crumbly finish. If you like spice, add a pinch more cinnamon or a small amount of ground ginger to the filling.
Common Questions About Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes. Store-bought caramel works fine and saves time. Warm it slightly if it is very thick so it drizzles easily.
Q: What apples should I use?
A: Tart apples like Granny Smith add bright flavor. Sweet apples like Gala or Fuji make a softer, sweeter bar. Use what you have and like.
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can bake them a day ahead and keep them chilled. They taste better when they rest in the fridge for at least a few hours.
Q: Can I freeze the bars?
A: Yes. Wrap them well and freeze up to one month. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.
Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
A: You can leave the peel on for texture and color, but chop them small. If you prefer a smoother filling, peel the apples.
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars give you comfort in a small square. They use simple steps and common ingredients, but they look and taste like a special dessert. The mix of cream cheese, apple, and caramel is a good match for many occasions. Make them for a family dinner or bring them to a fall party — they travel well and most people will enjoy them.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and follow the steps. The recipe is simple and forgiving. Once you try these bars, you will have a new favorite to make again and again.
Print
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious bars featuring creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and sweet caramel, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in chopped apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the crust in the baking pan.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to swirl it into the cheesecake filling.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set.
- Let it cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Serve chilled.
Notes
For a richer treat, top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg