![- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar for crust - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar for cheesecake filling - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups peeled and diced apples - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ½ teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup caramel sauce - ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional) These ingredients create layers of flavor and texture. The graham cracker crumbs form a buttery crust. Cream cheese gives the bars a rich, creamy filling. Apples add freshness and sweetness. Caramel sauce brings a sweet and gooey finish. For the best results, choose apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add a nice tartness that balances the sweet caramel. You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience. Or, make your own for extra flavor. Don’t skip the spices! Cinnamon and nutmeg elevate the taste. They make the bars feel cozy and warm. If you want a crunch, add pecans or walnuts on top. They add texture and a nutty flavor. Follow the Full Recipe for precise measurements and steps to create these delicious bars. To start, gather your ingredients. Mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of sugar in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand. Next, press this blend firmly into the bottom of your lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Make sure you cover the entire base evenly. This step is key for a solid crust. In a large bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar. You want this mix to be smooth and creamy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer. Now, add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, toss in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. In another bowl, toss 2 cups of diced apples with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Gently fold this apple mix into the cream cheese mixture. The apples add a nice texture and flavor. Next, pour the apple cheesecake filling over your cooled crust. Spread it evenly. Then, drizzle 1 cup of caramel sauce over the top. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the mixture. This creates a pretty marbled effect. If you want, sprinkle ¼ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts on top. Bake your bars at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. The edges should set, but the center can still jiggle a bit. After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature. Then, chill them in the fridge for at least 3 hours. This cooling time helps them set nicely. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares and drizzle with extra caramel if you like. You can find the full recipe linked here for more details. To make sure your bars set just right, chilling is key. After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature. Then, refrigerate them for at least three hours. This chilling time helps them firm up and makes slicing easier. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the pan. If the center wiggles slightly, that's okay. It will set as it cools. Presentation adds joy to your dessert. Serve the bars on a pretty platter. Garnish with thin apple slices and a drizzle of caramel sauce. This makes the dessert look great and taste even better. I recommend serving them cold. This helps enhance the creaminess of the cheesecake. A few common mistakes can ruin your bars. First, avoid overmixing the cheesecake filling. This can make the texture too airy. Mix just until smooth. Second, ensure the crust cools adequately. If it's warm when you add the filling, it can cause a soggy base. Follow these tips for perfect bars every time. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can still enjoy these tasty treats with a gluten-free crust. Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or ground oats. Mix them with melted butter and sugar just like the regular crust. Press this mixture into the pan to form a nice base. This way, everyone can enjoy the caramel apple cheesecake bars. Want to change things up? Add different spices or flavored cream cheese. Try ginger for a warm kick or even pumpkin spice for a fall twist. You can also use flavored cream cheese like vanilla or caramel for an extra tasty layer. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. You can get creative with toppings too! Instead of nuts, try adding chocolate chips for a sweet touch. You can also use different nuts like almonds or pecans for crunch. Each topping choice can change the dessert to fit your mood or taste. To keep your caramel apple cheesecake bars fresh, use an airtight container. A glass or plastic container works well. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. These bars stay tasty in the fridge for up to five days. Yes, you can freeze these bars! Cut them into squares and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze well for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you want to serve them warm, reheat the bars gently. Place them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them too soft. Enjoy your delicious treat! I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for these bars. Granny Smith apples are tart and hold their shape well. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and crisp, adding great texture. You could mix these apples for more flavor. Avoid soft apples like Red Delicious; they don’t bake well. Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. It saves time and still tastes great. Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch. Making it from scratch lets you control the flavor. If you want to try homemade, check the Full Recipe for details. You can make these bars a day in advance. Prepare them, then let them cool completely. Refrigerate them in an airtight container. This helps the flavors blend and set well. Just remember to let them chill for at least three hours before serving. Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delicious treat you can easily make at home. We covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips. You learned how to avoid common mistakes, explore variations, and store your bars properly. These sweet bars combine rich cheesecake with spiced apples and caramel, ensuring a delightful dessert. Remember, the right apple and proper chilling will elevate your bars. Enjoy making this recipe and share it with loved ones!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/977c4777-c1e3-4fed-8b53-72adf13ea257.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and ¼ cup sugar until well combined. Press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and set aside to cool slightly.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. This may take about 2-3 minutes with a handheld mixer.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Gently fold the spiced apples into the cream cheese mixture.
Pour the apple cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake filling and use a knife or skewer to swirl the caramel into the mixture for a marbled effect.
If using, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch.
Bake the bars for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly jiggles.
Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to firm up before cutting.
Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan. Cut into squares and drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired.
Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 4 hrs | Servings: 16 bars
- Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesecake bars on a decorative platter, garnished with thin apple slices and a drizzle of caramel for extra visual appeal.