Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust with creamy cheesecake layers, tender apple slices, and rich caramel sauce, creating a deliciously indulgent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter in a bowl, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to form the crust.
- Mix cheesecake filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
- Layer first cheesecake mixture: Pour half of the cream cheese filling over the prepared graham cracker crust and spread it evenly to cover the surface.
- Add apples and caramel: Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the first layer of cheesecake mixture, then drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples.
- Top with remaining cheesecake filling: Pour the remaining cream cheese filling over the apples and caramel, gently spreading it out to cover everything completely.
- Bake the bars: Place the baking pan in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) and bake until the cheesecake is set and lightly golden on top, approximately 35–40 minutes.
- Cool and chill: After baking, allow the bars to cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully chilled and set.
- Serve: Slice into squares and optionally drizzle with extra caramel sauce before serving for added sweetness.
Notes
- Use firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth filling.
- Press the crust firmly into the pan to avoid crumbling when slicing.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars well before cutting to maintain their shape.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel, Apple, Cheesecake, Bars, Dessert, Fall Dessert, Cream Cheese
