PERFECT CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS

Craving the creamy, tangy goodness of cheesecake mixed with the comforting flavors of caramel apples? These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars deliver that perfect combination in every single bite! We’re talking a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cheesecake filling swirled with cinnamon apples, and a generous drizzle of caramel. I promise, this recipe will become your new fall favorite!

Let’s Gather Our Ingredients!

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 medium apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: Sea salt flakes for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Baking!

Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars later. This is seriously a lifesaver!

Make the Graham Cracker Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until evenly moistened.
2. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool slightly while you prepare the apple filling.

Prepare the Apple Filling

1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened but still slightly firm, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in lemon juice. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Make sure your cream cheese is *really* softened, otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps!
2. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and sour cream. Be careful not to overmix, as this can incorporate too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack.

Assemble the Cheesecake Bars

1. Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.
2. Spoon the apple filling evenly over the cheesecake layer.
3. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the apple filling.

Bake Those Bars!

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set but still has a slight jiggle. The edges should be lightly golden brown.
2. Turn off the oven and prop the oven door open slightly. Let the cheesecake bars cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking!
3. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before cutting and serving. This is crucial for the best texture!

Caramel Drizzle & Serving

1. Before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the chilled cheesecake bars.
2. Optional: Sprinkle with sea salt flakes for a salty-sweet contrast.
3. Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Cheesecake Bar Success

Soft Cream Cheese is Key

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough! Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before you start mixing. This will ensure a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, checking and stirring in between, until it’s soft.

Don’t Overbake

Overbaking cheesecake is a cardinal sin! It will result in a dry, cracked cheesecake. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.

Cooling is Crucial

The slow cooling process, both in the oven and at room temperature, is essential for preventing cracks. Don’t skip this step!

Parchment Paper is Your Friend

Lining the pan with parchment paper makes it so much easier to lift the bars out of the pan for cutting. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

Variations to Make it Your Own!

Spice it Up

Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the apple filling for a warmer, more complex flavor.

Nutty Goodness

Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle for added crunch and flavor.

Chocolate Lover’s Dream

Drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel for a decadent chocolate-caramel combination.

Use Different Apples

Experiment with different apple varieties for a unique flavor profile. Braeburn, Fuji, or Gala apples would also work well.

Storing Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These bars are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 5 days. Although, let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long!

Craving More Apple and Caramel Goodness?

If you’re a fan of all things apple and caramel, you absolutely *must* try these other delicious recipes! For the ultimate indulgence, check out Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Ultimate. If you’re looking for something bite-sized, these Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites are perfect. And for cupcake lovers, don’t miss Caramel Apple Cupcake Heaven – they’re heavenly! For something similar to this recipe but a bit more intense, I recommend Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bliss. And if you are in the mood for something a little different, try Apple Crumb Cake Heaven. Lastly, you can never go wrong with Salty Caramel Apple Bars

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and rich caramel is simply irresistible. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to bake up a batch of these amazing bars. You won’t regret it!