CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BLISS

Oh, I can still remember the fall festival when I was a kid – the crisp air, the vibrant colors of the leaves, and, most importantly, the abundance of caramel apples. Biting into that sticky-sweet treat was pure bliss, and it’s a memory I cherish. That’s why I’m so excited to share with you how to capture that same nostalgic flavor in these unbelievably delicious Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars you’ll ever make! These bars are a total crowd-pleaser, and I promise you’ll be baking up a storm of smiles.

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Let’s be real, who can resist the combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and tart apples? These bars take everything you love about fall flavors and put them into one easy-to-make dessert. But there’s more to it than just the taste. Here’s why these bars are a guaranteed winner:

• Easy to Make: Seriously, these are SO simple. I’ve broken down each step so even a beginner baker can whip them up.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From potlucks to holiday gatherings, these bars are always a hit. They’re elegant enough for a special occasion, yet casual enough for a weeknight treat.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make these bars a day or two in advance, which is a lifesaver when you’re hosting. In fact, I think they taste even better after they’ve chilled for a bit!
• Customizable: Want to add some nuts? Go for it! Prefer a different type of apple? No problem! This recipe is super flexible.
• Pure Deliciousness: The creamy cheesecake filling, the sweet-tart apples, the gooey caramel… it’s a flavor explosion in every bite.

What You’ll Need to Make These Magical Bars

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. I’ve listed them below, along with some tips and substitutions to help you along the way. Don’t be intimidated by the list; most of these are pantry staples!

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: 1 1/2 cups (about 12-14 graham crackers). You can buy pre-made crumbs or crush your own using a food processor or a rolling pin and a ziplock bag.
• Melted Butter: 6 tablespoons, unsalted. This binds the crumbs together and creates a buttery, delicious crust.
• Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup. Just a touch of sweetness to complement the graham crackers.

For the Caramel Apple Filling:

• Apples: 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced. I recommend using a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. The tartness balances out the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons, unsalted. For sautéing the apples and creating that delicious caramel apple flavor.
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup, packed. Adds a rich, molasses-like flavor that complements the apples perfectly.
• Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon. Because what are apples without cinnamon?
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon. Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon. Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• Cream Cheese: 2 (8-ounce) packages, softened. Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup. Sweetens the cheesecake filling to perfection.
• Eggs: 2 large. Adds richness and structure to the cheesecake.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon. Enhances all the other flavors and adds a touch of warmth.
• Sour Cream: 1/4 cup. Adds a slight tang and keeps the cheesecake moist.

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• Caramel Sauce: 1/2 cup, store-bought or homemade. Use your favorite caramel sauce! I personally love using a salted caramel for an extra layer of flavor.

Let’s Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking! Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through each step. Remember to read through the entire recipe before you start, just to familiarize yourself with the process.

Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. I like to use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even, compact crust.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Apple Filling

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

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a lump-free cheesecake!
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the cheesecake to crack.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.
2. Spoon the caramel apple filling evenly over the cheesecake filling. Gently swirl the apple filling into the cheesecake with a knife or toothpick. Don’t over-swirl, or the colors will blend too much.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools.
4. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
5. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

1. Before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake.
2. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bar Perfection

Okay, now that you know the basics, let’s talk about some insider tips to take these bars from good to AMAZING! These are the little things I’ve learned over the years that make all the difference.

• Softened Cream Cheese is Key: I cannot stress this enough! If your cream cheese is even slightly cold, you’ll end up with a lumpy cheesecake. Let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour, or even longer if your kitchen is cool.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the cheesecake batter incorporates too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up in the oven and then collapse and crack as it cools. Mix until just combined.
• The Water Bath Myth: While a water bath can help prevent cracking, it’s not absolutely necessary for this recipe. The slow cooling process in the oven is usually enough to prevent major cracks.
• Cooling is Crucial: Don’t be tempted to skip the cooling steps! Letting the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven and then chilling it in the refrigerator is essential for a smooth, creamy texture and prevents cracking.
• Get Creative with Toppings: While caramel drizzle is classic, feel free to get creative with your toppings! Chopped pecans, walnuts, a sprinkle of sea salt, or even a dusting of cinnamon sugar would all be delicious.
• Use a Sharp Knife: For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water. Wipe the knife clean between each cut.

Variations and Substitutions to Make it Your Own

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to customize it to your liking! Here are some ideas:

• Different Apples: Experiment with different types of apples! Fuji, Gala, or even Pink Lady apples would all be delicious.
• Add Nuts: Stir chopped pecans or walnuts into the caramel apple filling or sprinkle them on top of the finished bars.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the caramel apple filling for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel drizzle for a decadent twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
• Lighter Version: Use light cream cheese and reduce the sugar slightly for a healthier option.

Other Delicious Dessert Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of easy and delicious desserts, you’re in the right place! Here are a few of my other favorite recipes that I think you’ll absolutely adore:

• STRAWBERRY CRUNCH CHEESECAKE TACOS: These fun and festive tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
• APPLE BROWNIES: Warm, gooey, and packed with apple flavor, these brownies are perfect for fall.
• APPLE DUMPLINGS: These are seriously the easiest apple dumplings you’ll ever make, and they’re oh-so-delicious!
• If you’re craving more caramel apple goodness, you HAVE to try my TWIX CARAMEL APPLE SALAD! It’s always a huge hit.
• If you’re looking for a unique dessert that will impress your friends and family, try my CHURRO CHEESECAKE DREAM. It’s a showstopper!
• And if you loved these bars, be sure to check out my SALTY CARAMEL APPLE BARS for another delicious variation!

Storing Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These bars are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. To freeze, cut the bars into individual servings and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues and Solutions

Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

• Cracked Cheesecake: This is usually caused by overbaking or cooling the cheesecake too quickly. Follow the cooling instructions carefully to prevent cracking. If your cheesecake does crack, don’t worry! You can easily cover it up with the caramel drizzle.
• Lumpy Cheesecake: This is usually caused by using cold cream cheese. Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before mixing. If you still have some lumps, try using an immersion blender to smooth out the batter.
• Soggy Crust: This can happen if the crust isn’t baked long enough or if the caramel apple filling is too wet. Make sure to bake the crust until it’s lightly golden brown, and drain any excess liquid from the caramel apple filling before adding it to the cheesecake.

Get Ready to Bake and Enjoy!

And there you have it – everything you need to make the most amazing Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars ever! I’m confident that you’re going to love these, and your friends and family will be begging you for the recipe. Now, go preheat that oven and get ready to create some delicious memories!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bliss Bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy goodness of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of fall. With a buttery graham cracker crust, sweet and tart apple filling, and a decadent caramel drizzle, these bars are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. They’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn recommended
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Electric mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor (optional, for graham cracker crumbs)
• Rolling pin and ziplock bag (optional, for graham cracker crumbs)
• Skillet
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife or toothpick
• Sharp knife
• Warm water
• Airtight container
• Plastic wrap (for freezing)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure an even, compact crust.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
5. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
6. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and the mixture has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Stir in the lemon juice. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
8. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
9. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
10. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until just combined.
11. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled graham cracker crust.
12. Spoon the caramel apple filling evenly over the cheesecake filling. Gently swirl the apple filling into the cheesecake with a knife or toothpick. Don’t over-swirl.
13. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
14. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
15. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
16. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
17. Before serving, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake.
18. Cut into bars and enjoy!

Notes

For best results, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid a lumpy filling. Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent cracking. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between each cut. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. To freeze, cut bars into individual servings and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer-safe container. Consider adding a pinch of salt to the caramel drizzle for an extra layer of flavor complexity.