These Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake with crisp apples and a sweet caramel drizzle. They’re perfect for any gathering or a cozy night in!
I’m always tempted to have just one more bar after dinner. They’re so good that sharing can be tough! 😋 Once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These give the bars a sweet and crunchy crust. If you need a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour for a different texture.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter alternative, while vegan cream cheese can be used for a dairy-free version.
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for their tartness, but Fuji or Honeycrisp apples work well too! For a twist, you can mix in some diced pears.
Caramel Sauce: Store-bought caramel sauce is super convenient, but homemade caramel can elevate the flavors. You can also try using chocolate sauce if you’re feeling adventurous!
How Do I Get the Perfect Cheesecake Texture?
Getting the right cheesecake texture is key for these bars. You want it creamy and not too dense. Here are some tips:
- Always use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps—let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Beat the cream cheese and sugar together on medium speed until it’s completely smooth.
- When adding the egg, mix it just until combined. Over-beating can introduce air and lead to cracks during baking.
Remember, it’s fine if the center of the cheesecake is slightly jiggly when it comes out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools in the refrigerator!
Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
For the Topping:
- ½ cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus 35-40 minutes to bake, and at least 2 hours to chill. So you’re looking at around 3 hours in total to make sure these delicious bars are set and ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Baking Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over the edges to help you lift the bars out later, or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Make the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until everything is well combined and it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan to create an even crust. Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes, then take it out and set it aside to cool a bit.
3. Mix the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. This can be done using an electric mixer on medium speed to keep it easy. Then, add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating just until everything is mixed together.
4. Prepare the Apples:
In a separate bowl, toss your diced apples with cinnamon and nutmeg for some extra flavor. Make sure the apples are coated nicely.
5. Assemble the Layers:
Spread half of your cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Next, sprinkle the cinnamon-spiced apples over this layer. Finally, spread the remaining cream cheese mixture gently over the apples to create a top layer.
6. Bake the Bars:
Pop the whole pan back into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for the cheesecake filling to be mostly set, but there should still be a slight jiggle in the center when you gently shake the pan.
7. Cool and Chill:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, cover it and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, until it’s fully chilled and set.
8. Add the Caramel Topping:
Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top of the cheesecake bars. This adds a sweet and delightful finishing touch!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the caramel is on, cut your chilled bars into squares. Enjoy the delicious combination of cream cheese, apples, and caramel. Perfect for any gathering, or just a sweet treat for yourself!
FAQ for Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, you can use other varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness. Feel free to mix different apples for a more complex flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesecake Bars?
Store any leftover cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure to place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking if you have to stack them.
Can I Freeze These Cheesecake Bars?
Yes! These cheesecake bars freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Definitely! To make these bars gluten-free, simply use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust. This allows everyone to enjoy this delicious dessert without worry!
