Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Easy Graham Crust

The smell of caramel bubbling on the stovetop and the crisp sweetness of baked apples—now that’s autumn in a bite. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect way to transform cozy fall flavors into a dessert that feels like a hug in dessert form. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious caramel apple topping, this recipe is not just delicious but also surprisingly simple to make. Trust me, it’s the kind of treat that’ll have your family sneaking seconds (and maybe thirds!).

I first made these bars for a potluck, and let’s just say they disappeared faster than I expected. There’s something magical about the combination of tangy cream cheese, the warm sweetness of caramel, and the slight crunch of baked apples. Whether you’re planning for Thanksgiving dessert or simply want to impress everyone at brunch, these cheesecake bars will quickly become your go-to fall recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: Most of what you’ll need is probably already in your pantry—graham crackers, apples, cream cheese, and a few baking basics.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These bars are fancy enough for holiday dinners but easy enough for a casual weekend treat.
• Unbelievably Delicious: The creamy cheesecake layer pairs perfectly with the rich caramel and cinnamon-spiced apples.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these cheesecake bars a day in advance, making them ideal for entertaining.
• Customizable: Want to switch up the apples or add nuts? This recipe has plenty of room for creativity.

What truly sets this recipe apart is the graham cracker crust and how it balances the richness of the cheesecake filling. Plus, the caramel drizzle over the apple topping gives it that bakery-quality finish without the fuss. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you pause and savor every bite, which is exactly what fall is all about.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Topping:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Caramel Sauce:

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Pinch of salt

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits or replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor.

Equipment Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars:

• Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch pan works best for this recipe.
• Food Processor: Ideal for crushing graham crackers into fine crumbs.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for the crust, filling, and topping.
• Electric Mixer: Makes the cheesecake filling silky smooth.
• Small Saucepan: For preparing the caramel sauce.

You can crush the graham crackers manually if you don’t have a food processor—just place them in a zip-top bag and use a rolling pin. And if you don’t own an electric mixer, a sturdy whisk will do the trick (just be ready for a bit of an arm workout).

Preparation Method

Follow these steps to create your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until it resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
3. Make the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
4. Prepare the apple topping: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Let cool slightly before spooning over the cheesecake filling.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool the bars completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
6. Make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns amber. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, then add butter and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth. Allow the sauce to cool slightly.
7. Drizzle and serve: Once the cheesecake bars are chilled, cut them into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.

Pro tip: For clean slices, use a sharp knife warmed under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can incorporate too much air, causing cracks in your cheesecake. Mix just until combined.
• Chill Before Cutting: Refrigerating the bars ensures they set properly and makes slicing much easier.
• Watch the Caramel: Caramel can burn quickly, so keep a close eye and stir constantly.
• Test for Doneness: The cheesecake layer should be set but slightly jiggly in the center—it’ll firm up as it cools.

These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time.

Variations & Adaptations

Here are some ways to make this recipe your own:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the apple topping before baking.
• Flavor Twist: Swap apples for pears or add a dash of nutmeg for a deeper spiced flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Replace cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream and use coconut milk for the caramel.

I once experimented by adding a layer of salted caramel directly under the apples—it added an extra burst of flavor that was a hit with my family!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

For best results, serve these bars chilled. Arrange them on a platter with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for presentation. Pair with a cup of coffee or hot cider for the ultimate fall treat.

To store, keep the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just wrap individual slices tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge. When reheating, avoid the microwave and let them come to room temperature instead.

Fun fact: The flavors actually intensify after a day in the fridge, making leftovers even more irresistible!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 16 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 4g

These bars are rich and indulgent, but apples bring a touch of fiber and vitamin C to the mix. For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the apple topping and caramel sauce.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dessert that brings together the best flavors of fall, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a must-try. They’re the kind of recipe that leaves your guests asking for seconds—and the recipe. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

I love how customizable these bars are, and I hope you’ll experiment with them to suit your taste. If you do, let me know how it went—leave a comment below or share your variations. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Store-bought caramel works perfectly if you’re short on time.

What type of apples should I use?

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, these bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

How do I prevent cheesecake cracks?

Avoid overmixing the filling and don’t overbake—remove from the oven when the center is slightly jiggly.

Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?

Yes, wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

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