Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet apple-caramel topping. Perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in, they deliver all the flavors of autumn in an easy-to-share dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat recommended)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce (or homemade)
- Sea salt flakes, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving edges overhanging for easy removal. Lightly grease.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
- Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium until just combined and no lumps remain.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled crust and smooth with a spatula to the edges.
- In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, melted butter, flour, and nutmeg (if using) until apples are coated. Let sit for 2 minutes.
- Spoon apple mixture evenly over cheesecake layer and lightly press apples in.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the center is just set and edges are lightly puffed. The cheesecake should jiggle slightly in the center.
- Remove from oven and cool in the pan for 1 hour, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
- Lift bars out of the pan using parchment edges. Slice into squares. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle sea salt flakes if desired.
Notes
Let cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature for a smooth filling. Don’t overmix the cheesecake layer to avoid cracks. Chill thoroughly before slicing for neat bars. For gluten-free, use gluten-free graham crackers and flour. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cream cheese and butter. Apples can be swapped for pears or berries. Tent with foil if apples brown too quickly during baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 48 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 160
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, fall dessert, easy cheesecake bars, apple dessert, autumn baking, potluck dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, caramel apple bars