Why Make This Recipe
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with the sweetness of caramel and the fresh crunch of apples. This dessert is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply when you want something sweet at home. The creamy texture, combined with the buttery graham cracker crust, makes these bars hard to resist. Plus, they are easy to make, allowing you to impress your friends and family with minimal effort!
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until well combined after each addition.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce on top of the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Serve these delicious bars chilled. They are great on their own but can be topped with extra caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream for an added treat. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy flavor.
How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweetness of the caramel.
- Don’t skip the refrigeration step; it helps the cheesecake set and improves the flavors.
Variation
You can add nuts, like chopped pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch. Another option is to mix in some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for more flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves time!
2. Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day or two in advance, making them a great option for events.
3. What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well as they balance the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful dessert bars combining rich cheesecake, sweet caramel, and fresh apples, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until well combined after each addition.
- Fold in the diced apples.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and smooth the top.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce on top of the cheesecake mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set.
- Allow to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Serve chilled. Great on their own or topped with extra caramel or whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon for a cozy flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cheesecake, dessert, caramel, apples, bars
