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Creamy caramel apple cheesecake bars with spiced apple topping

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Sweet, tangy, and rich, these caramel apple cheesecake bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a layer of tender spiced apples topped with golden caramel. Perfect for fall desserts, parties, or anytime you crave a festive treat.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for 9×13-inch pan):

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)

For the Apple Topping:

  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Caramel Drizzle:

  • ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • Sea salt for optional salted caramel topping


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and cinnamon. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping
In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are soft but still slightly firm. Let cool slightly, then layer over the cheesecake.

Step 4: Bake
Bake the layered bars for 25–30 minutes, until the cheesecake is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool completely.

Step 5: Add Caramel
Drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled bars. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares or bars.

Notes

  • No-Bake Option: Prepare the crust and cheesecake filling, layer the cooked apples on top, drizzle with caramel, and chill in the fridge overnight.
  • Mini Bars: Use a muffin tin for individual servings.
  • Make Ahead: Bars can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the fridge.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Fall Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American