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Caramel Apple Cheesecake

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These caramel apple cheesecake bars layer a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumble topping finished with gooey caramel. Perfect for fall gatherings, bake sales, or an indulgent weeknight dessert.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 295
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Layer
  • 2 medium apples peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
Crumble Topping
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold, cubed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Caramel Drizzle
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric Mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until evenly moistened, then press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and mix just until combined. Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and spread into an even layer.
  4. Make the apple layer: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Spoon the apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  5. Prepare the crumble topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it into the dry ingredients with a fork or pastry cutter until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apples.
  6. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
  7. Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or up to overnight) for clean slices. Just before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce, then cut into 16 bars.

Notes

For the best texture, make these caramel apple cheesecake bars a day ahead and chill overnight. You can swap the apples for pears or use different apple varieties for subtle flavor changes. Drizzle with extra caramel just before serving.