Why Make This Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy flavor of apples. Topped with gooey caramel, these bars are perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply a sweet treat at home. They are easy to make and are sure to impress everyone who tries them!
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, and nuts (if using).
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Enjoy!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Serve these cheesecake bars chilled after they have been refrigerated. You can cut them into squares or rectangles, and they are perfect for a plate to share. For an extra treat, drizzle more caramel sauce on top or add a dollop of whipped cream when serving!
How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Soften the cream cheese before mixing to speed up the process and achieve a smooth texture.
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor, or you can substitute with canned apples if you are in a hurry.
- If you don’t like nuts, you can leave them out, or try using a different type of nut to add your own twist!
Variation
You can add different spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor. Swapping the caramel for chocolate sauce can also give a delicious twist!
FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes! You can use pears or berries if you prefer a different flavor.
2. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust instead of regular ones.
3. How do I know when the bars are done baking?
The center should be set and not jiggly. You can do a toothpick test; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup 1/4 cup sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 packages 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened Soften before mixing for smooth texture.
- 1 cup 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 3 eggs
- 2 cups 2 cups peeled and diced apples Use fresh for best flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup caramel sauce Drizzle over the top.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) Leave out if preferred.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch pan.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
Mixing and Baking
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Fold in the diced apples, cinnamon, and nuts (if using).
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the pan.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.