The aroma of caramel wafts through the air, mingling with the buttery scent of baked cheesecake, creating an enticing invitation to indulge. Imagine biting into a luscious bar that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors, with a texture thatβs creamy yet firmβyes, my friends, this is the magic of the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe. creamy cheesecake cupcakes.

Every bite brings back fond memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the room and dessert was always the star. These bars are perfect for cozy autumn evenings or festive celebrations, promising a delightful experience that will have everyone reaching for seconds. pumpkin pie cookies red velvet cookies. For more inspiration, check out this Thick and Chewy Caramel Cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are incredibly easy to prepare, making them ideal for busy bakers
- The flavor profile combines rich creaminess with a hint of tartness from apples
- Visually stunning, they present beautifully on any dessert table
- Versatile enough to be served warm or chilled, they suit various occasions perfectly
I once made these for a Thanksgiving gathering, and you could hear the collective βwowβ when I cut into them.
Essential Ingredients
Hereβs what youβll need to make this delicious dish:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Use finely crushed crumbs for a smooth base that holds together beautifully when baked.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter adds richness to the crust; always opt for unsalted for better control over flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar sweetens both the crust and filling; feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure itβs at room temperature for easy blending into a creamy filling without lumps.
- Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together; room temperature eggs mix more smoothly.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates flavor; avoid imitation as it can compromise the taste.
- Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess; full-fat versions provide the best texture and flavor.
- Apples: Tart varieties like Granny Smith work best in balancing sweetness; peel and chop before adding.
- Cinnamon: A dash enhances warmth and depth; sprinkle generously for that cozy autumn flavor.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle generously over bars before serving for an indulgent finish; homemade or store-bought works wonders.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Letβs Make it Together
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until it resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased baking pan.
Prepare the Filling: In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in eggs one at a time, ensuring they blend well before adding each next. Incorporate sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Add Apples and Spice: Fold in chopped apples and cinnamon gently into the cream cheese mixture. The smell will transport you to an apple orchard on a crisp fall day.
Spread and Bake: Pour this luscious filling over your prepared crust evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the centerβthis will firm up while cooling.
Cool and Top: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature before drizzling with caramel sauce generously. lemon cheesecake truffles Chill them in the fridge for at least two hours; patience is key here!
Now youβre ready to slice these beauties into bars! Enjoy every decadent bite as they melt in your mouth.
You Must Know
- This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe brings together the best flavors of fall in a delightful, creamy treat
- The combination of sweet caramel and tart apples will have everyone coming back for seconds
- Prepare for a delicious and fun baking experience!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the perfect cheesecake bars, start by preparing your crust first. While it cools, mix your cheesecake filling and let it chill before adding the caramel and apple topping. For more inspiration, check out this Raspberry Cheesecake Bars recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the apples for pears or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to enhance flavor. You can also use store-bought caramel sauce if youβre short on time.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. For best results, enjoy them cold straight from the fridge or let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- These tips will help you create a flawless batch of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars that will impress friends and family
- Remember that patience is key; allow ample time for cooling and chilling to develop those rich flavors
- Enjoy the process!
Baking these bars brings back fond memories of fall gatherings with my family, where laughter mingled with the smell of caramel wafting through the air.
FAQ
Can I use different fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Pears or even berries work wonderfully as alternatives.
How long do these cheesecake bars last?
They can be stored in the fridge for up to five days without losing quality.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour in the crust recipe.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of fall with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Creamy and rich, this recipe combines smooth cream cheese, tart apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle, making it an irresistible dessert for cozy evenings and festive gatherings. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, these bars are sure to be the star of any dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1 Β½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- Β½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ΒΎ cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat)
- 2 cups chopped Granny Smith apples (peeled)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Β½ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. Press firmly into a greased baking pan.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add eggs, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Fold in chopped apples and cinnamon. Pour the filling over the prepared crust.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool completely at room temperature before drizzling with caramel sauce.
- Chill in the fridge for at least two hours before slicing into bars.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately 85g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, try substituting apples with pears or adding extra cinnamon. Use store-bought caramel sauce if you're short on time.






