Description
Indulge in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layers, tender apple slices, and a generous drizzle of rich caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, fruity dessert with a decadent cheesecake twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firm and evenly into the bottom of a baking pan to form the crust.
- Make the cheesecake batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no lumps.
- First cheesecake layer: Pour half of the cream cheese mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring a smooth surface for the toppings.
- Add apples and caramel: Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the cheesecake layer, then drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce generously over the apples to infuse flavor and moisture.
- Second cheesecake layer: Pour the remaining half of the cream cheese mixture over the apples and caramel, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface completely.
- Bake the bars: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top turns lightly golden. Avoid overbaking to keep it creamy.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to let the cheesecake set fully.
- Serve: Once chilled, slice the cheesecake into bars. Drizzle additional caramel sauce on top before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweetness of caramel.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Allow bars to chill well to achieve clean slices.
- Store leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple, cheesecake bars, apple dessert, caramel dessert, fall dessert
