Description
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert perfect for fall! With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping drizzled with homemade caramel, these bars are irresistible and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- Cheesecake Layer: 16 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Apple Layer: 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced), 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed), 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
- Caramel Sauce: 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Spread over cooled crust.
- Apple Layer: In a bowl, toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Streusel Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, cubed butter, and pecans (if using) until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until streusel is golden and cheesecake is set. Cool completely in the pan.
- Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and water. Cook until amber-colored, swirling occasionally. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, butter, and salt. Let cool slightly.
- Serve: Cut bars into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and ability to hold shape. Honeycrisp or Fuji can be used for a sweeter version.
- Streusel topping can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to bake.
- Caramel sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator; warm slightly before drizzling.
- For gluten-free option, use almond flour for the crust and streusel.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American