Why Make This Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. They combine the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet taste of caramel and the freshness of apples. These bars are great for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a special dessert at home. Plus, they are easy to make and sure to please everyone!
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups peeled, chopped apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and cinnamon. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars and serving.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These cheesecake bars are delicious served chilled. You can slice them into squares and serve them on a platter. For an extra touch, drizzle more caramel sauce on top or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream beside each bar. They make a lovely dessert for gatherings or a cozy night in.
How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Just wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth mixture.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweetness of the caramel.
- Drizzle some extra caramel sauce on top right before serving for added flavor and presentation.
Variation
You can mix things up by adding nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, to the crust or the cheesecake mixture. This adds a nice crunch and flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well, and it saves time!
Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make them a day or two in advance. Just keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
Q: What type of apples work best in this recipe?
A: Tart apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, are ideal because they complement the sweetness of the caramel.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cheesecake bars combining creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and fresh apples, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups peeled, chopped apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and cinnamon. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust in the baking dish.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
Serve chilled and drizzle extra caramel sauce for added flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.