Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cgraham crackers
2 packets crumbled into fine crumbs
- ¼ cbrown sugar
packed light or dark
- 10 tbspunsalted butter
melted
- 24 ozcream cheese
room temperature
- ¾ cwhite granulated sugar
- ½ csour cream
room temperature
- ¼ csalted caramel
- 1 tsppure vanilla extract
- 3 largeeggs
room temperature
- 3 largegala apples
cut into cubes
- ¼ cbrown sugar
packed light or dark
- 2 tspground cinnamon
- ¼ tspground nutmeg
- ½ cbrown sugar
packed light or dark
- ½ call-purpose flour
- 1 tspground cinnamon
- ¼ cquick oats
- ¼ cunsalted butter
melted
- salted caramel
drizzled on top
Directions
Graham cracker crust
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°F and spray a 9X9 inch pan with non-stick baking spray. Line the bottom and 2 sides of the pan with parchment paper and spray again.
- 2
Crumble the graham crackers in a food processor/blender until fine crumbs formed. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Combine with a fork.
- 3
Pour the crust on to the bottom of the pan. Compact it on the bottom of the pan and not on the sides of the pan. Use the back of a measuring cup to compact it down. Keep the crust only on the bottom of the pan. Bake for 12 minutes.
Streusel
- 1
While the crust is baking, make the streusel. In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, quick oats, and melted butter. Mix together with a fork. It should be wet. Place bowl in fridge for the butter to solidify while you prepare the rest of the cheesecake.
Cinnamon apples
- 1
While the crust is baking, prepare the apples. Cut the apples into cubes. Place the apples in a large mixing bowl. Mix in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg and stir until all coated.
Cheesecake
- 1
Once the crust is done baking and starting to cool, start the cheesecake. Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl.
- 2
Mix in the sour cream, salted caramel and vanilla and mix on medium for 1 minute. Scrape the bowl. Then, add in the eggs and mix on low. Scrape the bowl.
- 3
Pour cheesecake on top of the crust and smooth with a rubber spatula. Top with the apples and spread them around evenly. Then, add the streusel on top.
- 4
Bake for 50-60 minutes. No water bath needed. The cheesecake is done baking when there is only a slight jiggle in the middle and the edges are set.
- 5
Turn off the oven and prop open the door a little. Then, let it sit for 30 minutes in the oven. Transfer to a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely. Then, cover and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- 6
After the cheesecake bars have cooled for 6 hours or overnight, take them out of the pan. Cut them into bars. Then, drizzle with salted caramel. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 10 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
As the vibrant hues of autumn emerge, there's no better way to celebrate the season than with a truly exceptional dessert. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars masterfully blend classic fall flavors with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, creating a treat that's perfect for any occasion.
What makes these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars so irresistible is their thoughtful construction. Each layer contributes a distinct texture and flavor, from the buttery graham cracker crust to the tangy, smooth cream cheese filling, all complemented by tender, spiced apples and a crunchy oat streusel. The final touch of rich, salted caramel ties every component together into a harmonious bite.
Prepare for a dessert that delivers a symphony of tastes and textures. You'll first encounter the satisfying crumble of the graham cracker crust, which gives way to a velvety, decadent cheesecake layer. This creamy base perfectly cradles sweet Gala apple cubes, infused with the warming spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. A generous oat cinnamon streusel adds a delightful crispness, contrasting beautifully with the luscious salted caramel drizzle that crowns each bar. It's a rich, comforting dessert that evokes all the best feelings of fall.
While these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are delightful as designed, you can explore subtle variations. For the apple layer, consider using a different firm-tart apple like Honeycrisp if you prefer a sharper counterpoint to the sweetness. If you want to lean into the warm spice profile even more, a pinch of allspice or ginger could be added to the apple mixture alongside the cinnamon and nutmeg. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the final caramel drizzle will further enhance the complex sweet-salty dynamic.
These impressive bars are an ideal centerpiece for autumn gatherings, holiday feasts, or simply a cozy evening at home. Serve them slightly chilled, perhaps with a cup of warm apple cider or a light dusting of extra cinnamon for an elegant presentation.