Description
These caramel apple cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple layer, and a gooey caramel drizzle. They’re a crowd-pleasing, easy fall dessert that combines the best flavors of apple pie and cheesecake in bar form.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full sheets)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, diced (about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Peel, core, and dice apples. In a bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and flour until sticky.
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth (about 2 minutes). Add granulated sugar and beat until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract until batter is silky and lump-free.
- Pour cheesecake batter over cooled crust and smooth the top. Sprinkle apple mixture evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cover loosely with foil if apples brown too quickly.
- Remove from oven and cool to room temperature (about 1 hour). Drizzle caramel sauce over cooled bars and spread with a spoon if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for neat edges.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling. Press crust firmly for best texture. Dice apples small for even cooking. Chill bars fully before slicing for neat edges. Swap graham crackers for gluten-free or digestive biscuits if needed. Bars freeze well for up to two months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, fall dessert, graham cracker crust, easy cheesecake bars, apple dessert, autumn baking, crowd pleaser, potluck dessert