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.
2cupspeeled and thinly sliced tart applesGranny Smith or Honeycrisp
1/4cupgranulated sugar
1tspground cinnamon
1/4tspground nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
1/2cupall-purpose flour
1/4cupbrown sugar
1/2tspground cinnamon
1/4cupunsalted buttercold and cubed
Caramel Drizzle:
1/3cupcaramel saucehomemade 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.