These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a sweet treat you can’t resist! With smooth cheesecake and chunks of apples, they are topped off with drizzles of gooey caramel. Yum!
Whenever I make these bars, the smell of apples and caramel fills my kitchen, and I get so many compliments! Perfect for sharing, though I usually keep a few for myself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: They create a sweet and crunchy base. If you don’t have them, try using crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
Apples: Granny Smith apples add tartness which balances the sweetness. Honeycrisp are sweeter. If you’re looking for alternatives, any firm apple will work, just adjust the sugar to taste.
Cream Cheese: This gives the cheesecake its rich texture. You could swap with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option. Vegan cream cheese also works well for a dairy-free version.
Caramel Sauce: Use store-bought for convenience or make your own for a fresher taste. If you want to skip it, a dusting of powdered sugar on top is still delightful.
How Do I Get My Cheesecake Bars to Set Perfectly?
Making sure your cheesecake layer sets just right is key for the texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature. This makes it easier to mix without lumps.
- Mix until smooth, but don’t overbeat once you add eggs. Overmixing can introduce air, making it puff up and crack.
- Check for doneness. You want the edges to be firm while the center still has a jiggle, which will firm further as it chills.
- Let it cool fully before refrigerating. This helps set the layers and prevents separation.
By paying attention to these details, you’ll have cheesecake bars that slice beautifully and taste amazing!
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 40-45 minutes to bake. However, don’t forget to chill the bars for at least 4 hours (or ideally overnight) for the best results. So, overall, plan for about 5-6 hours including chilling time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until your mixture looks crumbly and holds together when pressed. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking pan. Bake that crust for 8-10 minutes until it’s set and slightly golden. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool a bit.
2. Prepare the Apple Layer:
In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. This mix will bring out the flavor and sweetness of the apples, so set it aside and let those flavors mingle while you prepare the next layers.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by stirring in the vanilla extract.
4. Assemble Layers:
Once your crust has cooled slightly, spread the chopped apple mixture evenly over it. Now, pour the creamy cheesecake layer on top of those apples, spreading it out gently to cover everything.
5. Prepare the Streusel Topping:
In a small bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until you achieve a crumbly texture. If you’re using nuts, stir them in now. Sprinkle this streusel mix evenly over the cheesecake layer.
6. Bake:
Place your assembled pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheesecake layer is set (with just a slight jiggle in the center). Once baked, allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
7. Chill:
After cooling, cover the pan and refrigerate the bars for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better. This chilling time is important for the flavors to set properly.
8. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, cut the chilled bars into squares. Before serving, drizzle each bar with that luscious caramel sauce to finish them off beautifully!
Now, dig into your homemade Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars and enjoy the delightful combination of spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, crunchy topping, and sweet caramel! Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices, you can use any firm apple. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the apples you choose.
Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! These cheesecake bars are perfect for making ahead. They can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like, you can also freeze them for longer storage—just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Skip the Streusel Topping?
While the streusel adds a lovely crunch to the bars, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler dessert. The bars will still be deliciously creamy and flavorful!
