These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a tasty treat with a creamy filling and a crunchy crust, topped with sweet caramel and fresh apples. Perfect for fall or any time you crave something sweet!
Trust me, the combination of creamy cheese and juicy apples is a real winner! I love sharing these bars with friends while they work their magic on my sweet tooth. 🍏🍮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the base of the crust. If you don’t have them, you can easily crush digestive biscuits or use vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor.
Cream Cheese: The key to that rich cheesecake taste. Light cream cheese works fine too if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
Apples: I love Granny Smith for their tartness balancing the sweetness. Honeycrisp or Fuji are great alternatives. If you want to spice it up, add a pinch of nutmeg!
Brown Sugar: It gives a deep flavor to both the crust and the apple topping. You can use coconut sugar or white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses as a substitute if needed.
How do I ensure my cheesecake doesn’t crack?
To keep your cheesecake smooth and prevent cracks, it’s important not to overmix once you add the eggs. Mix just until combined!
- Wrap the bottom of your pan in aluminum foil to prevent leaks if you’re using a springform.
- Bake in a water bath for extra moisture. Simply place the cheesecake pan in a larger dish filled with water.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven by turning off the heat and leaving the door slightly ajar.
With these tips, you’ll have a beautifully set cheesecake that looks and tastes incredible! Enjoy making these bars; they’ll become a favorite for sure!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional for texture)
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), for drizzle
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of baking time, plus at least 3 hours to chill in the refrigerator. So, it’s about an hour in the kitchen, but you’ll need to plan for some waiting time to let those delicious flavors set!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on two sides. This way, it’s super easy to lift the bars out later!
2. Prepare the Crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar. Mix them together until everything is well combined. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake it for 8 minutes, then let it cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is fully combined and creamy.
4. Pour the Cheesecake Filling:
Once your crust is cool, pour the cheesecake filling over it. Spread it out evenly so that every bite is delicious!
5. Prepare the Apple Topping:
In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, along with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are softened but still hold their shape. Remove the skillet from heat.
6. Make the Streusel Topping:
In a bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and the oats if you’re using them. Add the cold cubed butter and mix it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Assemble the Bars:
Now it’s time to assemble! Spoon the cooked apples evenly over the cheesecake layer. Then, sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
8. Bake:
Pop the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The streusel should be golden brown, and the cheesecake will be set around the edges but still a bit jiggly in the center.
9. Cool Completely:
Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or overnight if you can wait! This will help them set perfectly.
10. Serve:
When you’re ready to serve, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut them into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce on top. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Enjoy your delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars — creamy, crumbly, and full of cozy fall flavors!
Can I Use a Different Type of Apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a blend of different apple types for added flavor. Just aim for apples that hold their shape when cooked!
Can I Make These Bars Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make these cheesecake bars gluten-free, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust and ensure all other ingredients, such as the baking powder, are gluten-free certified. Your bars will be just as delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or even cream cheese for a thicker consistency. Just keep the flavors in mind, as Greek yogurt adds a slight tanginess!
