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Sliced Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in a pan, drizzled with homemade caramel sauce, on a white table.

The Best Homemade Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (Easy Recipe!)

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This is the Best Homemade Caramel Apple Cheesecake bar recipe! It’s the perfect fusion of the tart, cozy warmth of spiced apples and the creamy indulgence of cheesecake. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are easy to make, freeze beautifully, and are the ideal fall treat to serve at any gathering!

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crisp Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

For the Creamy Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Spiced Apple Topping:

  • 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, diced, and tossed with 2 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup brown sugar

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

For the Caramel Sauce (or 1 cup high-quality store-bought):

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prep & Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper. Mix crust ingredients and press firmly into the pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
  2. Make Cheesecake: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
  3. Assemble: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Spread the diced, spiced apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  4. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble.
  5. Cool & Chill: Allow to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight!) before cutting.
  6. Make Caramel: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup sugar and water. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring until the mixture turns a rich amber color (about 8-10 minutes). Remove from heat, and carefully whisk in the heavy cream, butter, and salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  7. Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle generously with the warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Notes

  • The Room Temp Rule: For a lump-free filling, your cream cheese must be perfectly soft and at room temperature. This is non-negotiable!
  • The Tart Apple Secret: Using Granny Smith apples is key! Their tartness is essential to cut the richness of the caramel and cream cheese.
  • Slice When COLD: You must chill the bars completely before slicing for those beautiful, neat, clean squares.
  • Make-Ahead Tip: You can bake the entire bar recipe a day ahead! Just refrigerate and only drizzle the caramel sauce right before serving.
  • Reheat Trick: If you want that warm, gooey feeling again, reheat a single bar in the microwave for just 15 seconds!
  • Author: Ellie
  • Prep Time: 30
  • Chill Time: 60
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Category: Bars
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://www.spoonfulhome.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars/