Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, spiced and tender apples, and a crumbly streusel topping, all drizzled with a rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a deliciously indulgent dessert that’s easier to serve than traditional cheesecake.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Layer
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prepare for easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust layer.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool while preparing the cheesecake layer.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate fully. Stir in vanilla extract until combined.
- Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust, spreading it out to cover completely.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure the apples are well coated to add flavor and prevent browning.
- Add Apple Layer: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, distributing the pieces uniformly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. If desired, stir in the chopped pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Top with Streusel: Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apple layer, covering it as evenly as possible.
- Bake the Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Chill: Remove bars from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours, which helps them firm up for clean slicing.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring, occasionally swirling the pan, until the mixture turns a deep amber color, about 8-10 minutes.
- Finish Caramel Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream—the mixture will bubble vigorously, so take caution. Stir in unsalted butter and salt until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each bar just before serving for a rich and decadent treat.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness which complement the cheesecake well.
- Pecans in the streusel are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Be careful when making caramel; do not stir once sugar starts boiling to prevent crystallization.
- Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; warm caramel sauce before serving if it has thickened.
- For easier slicing, chill bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife warmed under hot water.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approx. 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, cheesecake bars, fall dessert, caramel sauce, streusel topping
