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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall dessert! Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, cinnamon-spiced apple topping, and a rich caramel drizzle, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:50 minutes
Cooling Time:2 hours
Total Time:3 hours 10 minutes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Servings: 12 Bars

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted

Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Topping:

  • 2 cups peeled and thinly sliced tart apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed

Caramel Drizzle:

  • 1/3 cup caramel sauce homemade or store-bought

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan.
  • Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Make the Cheesecake Layer:

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
  • Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Prepare the Apple Topping:

  • Toss sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Arrange the apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Add the Streusel Topping:

  • Combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter in a bowl. Use a fork or your fingers to create a crumbly mixture. Sprinkle over the apple layer.

Bake:

  • Bake the bars for 40-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel topping is golden.

Cool and Add Caramel:

  • Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  • Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce.

Notes

  • For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
  • Make the caramel sauce from scratch for a richer flavor, or use a high-quality store-bought option.
  • Ensure the bars are fully chilled before slicing for clean cuts.