Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: A Cozy Fall Delight
As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting as indulging in a delicious treat that captures the essence of the season. One of my absolute favorites is this creamy and decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars recipe. The layers of smooth cheesecake, tender apples, and rich caramel come together to create a sweet embrace that feels like a warm autumn hug.
I still remember the first time I made these bars for a cozy gathering with friends. The kitchen was filled with the inviting aroma of baked apples and cinnamon, and everyone couldn’t resist sneaking a taste while they were still warm. Watching their faces light up with each bite reminded me of the simple joys cooking can bring.
Perfect for sharing on a crisp evening or tucking into a lunchbox, these bars embody the ultimate creamy fall dessert! Trust me; this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Simple: Perfect for a busy week but special enough for gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleasing Delight: These bars will disappear fast at any potluck or get-together.
- Creamy Texture: The blend of cream cheese and caramel creates an indulgent creaminess you’ll crave.
- Seasonal Flavor: Fresh apples and warm cinnamon make this an ideal autumn treat.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: Just your basic mixing bowls and an oven!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Let’s Make It Together
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray to ensure your bars lift out easily.
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In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until well combined and resembles wet sand. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a firm crust.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, free of lumps.
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Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition for a light and airy texture.
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Fold in the chopped apples and cinnamon, allowing the warm spice and fruit to mingle into the creamy mixture. Pour the cheesecake concoction over the crust in the baking pan.
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Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top of the cheesecake mixture, letting it swirl into the batter beautifully.
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Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly (it will continue to firm up as it cools).
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Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to the fridge. Chilling sets the dessert, making it easy to slice.
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Serve the bars chilled or at room temperature, drizzled with additional caramel sauce if you’re feeling indulgent!
Delicious Variations to Try
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Nutty Crunch: Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the apple mixture for an extra layer of texture.
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Zesty Twist: Incorporate some lemon zest into the cheesecake mixture for a refreshing zing that pairs beautifully with the apples.
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Cheesecake Swirl: Before baking, swirl in some additional caramel sauce and create a beautiful pattern on top for a decorative touch.
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Spiced Up: Exchange the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a more intense fall flavor.
My Best Kitchen Secrets
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Make-Ahead Magic: These bars can be made a day in advance; in fact, they get even better after chilling overnight!
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Easy Slicing: For perfectly sliced bars, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe it dry before each cut for clean edges.
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Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to a week. They’re delightful to snack on anytime!
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Use Fresh Apples: While you can use any apples, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp give a great sweet-tart balance that pairs perfectly with the rich cheesecake.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of the batch)
- Calories: 241
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead of time and chilling overnight.
Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! You can swap in any apples you prefer or even try adding in some caramel bits for extra fun.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
How long does it last?
These delicious bars will keep well in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure they’re properly covered!
Wrapping It Up
There’s something special about sharing homemade treats, especially when they’re as delightful as these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. They encapsulate the spirit of autumn and the joy of cozy gatherings with loved ones. So, gather your family and friends, whip up a batch, and enjoy the smiles they bring!
Save this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars recipe to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a comforting, cozy treat!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs For a firm base
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted Helps bind the crust
For the cheesecake filling
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened Must be softened for smooth mixing
- 0.5 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs Add one at a time
- 2 cups chopped apples, peeled and cored For sweetness and texture
- 0.5 cups caramel sauce For drizzling and added sweetness
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon For warm spice flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Mix Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in chopped apples and cinnamon.
Bake
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and drizzle caramel sauce on top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate to chill and set.
Serving
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, optionally drizzled with more caramel sauce.
