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- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups apples, peeled and diced - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup caramel sauce - 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional) These ingredients create a perfect blend of flavors. The graham cracker crumbs serve as a sweet, crunchy crust. The cream cheese provides a rich and creamy filling. Apples add a fresh bite, while caramel sauce brings sweetness. You can choose to add pecans for a nice crunch. Each ingredient plays a role in enhancing the taste and texture of these bars. Using fresh apples is key. I like to use tart varieties like Granny Smith. They balance the sweetness of the caramel and sugar. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps to create a smooth filling. Mixing in the ground cinnamon gives the bars a warm flavor. This list makes it easy to prepare a delicious dessert. Gather everything, and you are ready to start cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This warm-up is key for baking. While it heats, prepare a 9x9 inch baking pan. You can grease it with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the bars later. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup of melted butter. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to the mix. Stir until it looks crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking pan. This will form a nice, solid crust for your cheesecake. In a large bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar. Use an electric mixer for a smooth texture. Add 2 large eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Next, prepare your apples. Peel and dice 2 medium apples. Toss these apple pieces in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Fold the spiced apples into the cheesecake mixture gently. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust in the baking pan. To eliminate air bubbles, tap the pan lightly on your countertop. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center can be a bit jiggly. After baking, let the cheesecake cool to room temperature. Once cool, drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the top. If you like, sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans on top for extra crunch. Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This helps them set well. When ready, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares for serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade caramel apple cheesecake bars! To make your cheesecake smooth, use room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can create lumps. Let it sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This small step makes a big difference. When adding apples, be gentle. Overmixing can break them down too much. You want tasty apple pieces, not mush. Spice it up! You can add nutmeg or allspice for a warm touch. If you like, try flavored extracts like almond or maple. They add a nice twist. For a different sauce, swap caramel for chocolate or butterscotch. Each choice gives a unique taste to your dessert. For a pretty plate, serve these bars chilled. Drizzle extra caramel on top for sweetness. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds flair. To make it more decadent, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. These toppings turn a simple dessert into something special! Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. This ensures a smoother cheesecake filling without lumps. Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for a great balance with the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake. Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your cheesecake bars; they should be slightly jiggly in the center when you take them out. They will firm up as they cool. Chill Overnight: For the best flavor and texture, allow the bars to chill overnight. This will help the flavors meld beautifully. {{image_4}} You can switch up the apples in your bars. Try using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a different taste. Seasonal fruits also work well. Pears or peaches can add a sweet twist. You can even mix in berries. Blueberries or raspberries can give a nice tart flavor. If you need a gluten-free crust, use almond flour or gluten-free cookies. You can also make it dairy-free. Substitute cream cheese with cashew or coconut yogurt. Use a vegan butter for the crust instead of regular butter. These swaps keep the dessert tasty for everyone. For holidays, add festive spices like nutmeg or ginger. You can also top your bars with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. During fall, drizzle with maple syrup for a cozy feel. In winter, add crushed peppermint for a fun twist. Each season brings a chance to get creative! To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, always refrigerate them. Place the bars in an airtight container. If you don't have one, cover them tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents drying out and keeps them tasty for longer. If you want to store them for even longer, you can freeze these bars. First, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you want to eat one, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. This helps keep their creamy texture. In the fridge, these cheesecake bars stay fresh for about five days. Always check for spoilage before eating. Signs include a sour smell or a change in color. If you see these signs, it's best to toss them out. Yes, you can make these cheesecake bars ahead of time. I often prepare them a day before serving. This way, the flavors meld and the texture firms up nicely. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, refrigerate them for at least four hours or overnight. This waiting time makes cutting easier too. Just remember to drizzle the caramel on top right before serving for that fresh touch. For this recipe, I recommend using sweet and tart apples. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well. They add a nice balance of flavor and texture. You want apples that hold their shape when baked. Avoid mushy apples, as they won't give you that great bite. Serve these cheesecake bars chilled for the best flavor. I like to drizzle extra caramel sauce on top. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also enhance the look and taste. If you want to impress, add a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This adds a nice creaminess and looks fancy on the plate. Yes, you can use different crusts if you prefer. For a gluten-free option, try almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs. A cookie crust made from Oreos also adds a rich flavor. Just remember to adjust the butter amount as needed to hold the crust together. Absolutely! You can make some easy swaps. Use low-fat cream cheese instead of regular for less fat. You can also reduce the sugar by a third without losing taste. Consider using applesauce in place of some butter in the crust. These small changes can make a big difference while keeping the bars delicious. This blog post walks you through making delicious cheesecake bars. We covered ingredients for a tasty crust and filling. I shared steps for baking and cooling, plus tips for creamy texture and flavor variations. You can even adjust it for different diets or seasons. Follow the storage tips for freshness. Enjoy creating this treat at home—your friends and family will love it. Simple steps lead to a delightful dessert experience!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a caramel and apple twist, perfect for dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 5 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x9 inch baking pan.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Press into the bottom of the baking pan.
  • In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
  • Toss diced apples with ground cinnamon in a small bowl, then gently fold into the cheesecake mixture.
  • Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust, tap the pan to remove air bubbles, and bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set.
  • Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then drizzle caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with pecans if using.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, then cut into squares for serving.

Notes

Serve chilled with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Keyword apple, bars, caramel, cheesecake