CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BLISS

Are you ready to experience dessert nirvana? Picture this: creamy, dreamy cheesecake swirled with sweet-tart apples and drizzled with decadent caramel, all in an easy-to-make bar form. If the thought of creating a show-stopping dessert seems intimidating, don’t worry! This Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe is surprisingly simple, delivering a flavor explosion that will impress everyone. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this irresistible treat!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Before we dive in, let’s make sure we have all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Creates the perfect base.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust together.

For the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Filling:

• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened: The star of the cheesecake! Make sure it’s truly softened.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds tang and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors.
• 2 large eggs: Binds the cheesecake filling.
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Use your favorite baking apple, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
• 1/4 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling: Store-bought or homemade, whatever you prefer!
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice.

Step-by-Step to Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bar Perfection

Alright, let’s get baking! Don’t be intimidated; I’ll walk you through each step. We’re aiming for a smooth, creamy, and utterly delicious result.

Making the Graham Cracker Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until evenly moistened.
3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Preparing the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Filling:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This is crucial for a lump-free cheesecake!
2. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can incorporate too much air and cause the cheesecake to crack.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup caramel sauce, and cinnamon. Toss to coat.
5. Gently fold the apple mixture into the cheesecake batter, being careful not to overmix. You want to see swirls of apple and caramel.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
7. Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.

Baking and Cooling Your Masterpiece:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Don’t overbake! A slight jiggle is good.
2. Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This helps prevent cracking.
3. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
4. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld.

Tips and Tricks for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bar Success

Okay, let’s talk about some common pitfalls and how to avoid them. I want to make sure your cheesecake bars are absolutely perfect!

• Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Seriously, don’t skip this step! If your cream cheese is cold, you’ll end up with a lumpy cheesecake. Let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour, or even longer.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking is the enemy of cheesecake! It’ll result in a dry, cracked dessert. The center should still be slightly jiggly when you take it out of the oven.
• Slow Cooling is Crucial: This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracking. Resist the urge to take it out of the oven too soon!
• Chill Time is Your Friend: Don’t even think about slicing into these bars before they’ve had a good chill in the refrigerator. It allows the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld.
• Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: That parchment paper sling is your best friend! It makes it so easy to lift the bars out of the pan for slicing.

Variations to Make It Your Own

Want to put your own spin on these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add a Streusel Topping: Combine flour, oats, butter, and brown sugar for a crunchy streusel topping. Sprinkle it over the cheesecake batter before baking.
• Use Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties, such as Fuji or Braeburn.
• Add Spices: A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add extra warmth and flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: After the bars have chilled, drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra layer of decadence.
• Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle before chilling for added crunch and flavor.

Why These Bars are the BEST!

What sets these bars apart? It’s a symphony of textures and flavors. The buttery, crumbly graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for the creamy, tangy cheesecake filling. The sweet-tart apples, coated in caramel and cinnamon, add a delightful burst of flavor and texture. And the final drizzle of caramel ties everything together in perfect harmony. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment

While these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are delicious on their own, here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:

• A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy ice cream complements the warm, spiced flavors of the bars perfectly.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
• A Sprinkle of Cinnamon: A simple sprinkle of cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and aroma.
• Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Because, let’s be honest, you can never have too much caramel!

Other Irresistible Apple Treats You’ll Love

If you’re as obsessed with apple desserts as I am, you’re in for a treat! Be sure to check out some of my other favorite apple recipes, like the always popular CARAMEL APPLE DIP, perfect for parties! For a more pie-like experience, try the SALTY CARAMEL APPLE PIE BARS. And for a fun, bite-sized treat, don’t miss the CARAMEL APPLE PIE BOMBS. Looking for something easier? The Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip is always a hit. For individual portions, try the Apple Crisp Mini Cheesecakes, and for an easy bar recipe, you’ll love the Caramel Apple Bars.

Storing Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

If, by some miracle, you have any leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They’re best served cold!

Ready to Bake Some Bliss?

So, there you have it – my foolproof recipe for Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! With a little patience and these helpful tips, you’ll be whipping up a batch of these irresistible treats in no time. Get ready to bask in the adoration of your friends and family. Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert, featuring a creamy cheesecake filling swirled with sweet-tart apples and drizzled with luscious caramel, all on a graham cracker crust. Easy to make and impressive to serve, they’re perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Medium bowl
• Large bowl
• Electric mixer (hand or stand)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
• Knife or toothpick

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
• ¼ cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
• In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until evenly moistened.
• Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form an even crust.
• Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
• In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
• Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract until well combined.
• Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Be careful not to overbeat.
• In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, 1/4 cup caramel sauce, and cinnamon. Toss to coat.
• Gently fold the apple mixture into the cheesecake batter, being careful not to overmix.
• Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
• Drizzle additional caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake batter. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly.
• Turn off the oven and crack the oven door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
• Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature.
• Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling. Avoid overbaking to prevent a dry, cracked cheesecake; the center should still be slightly jiggly when removed from the oven. Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracking. Chill the bars thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts and a fully set cheesecake. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Consider adding a streusel topping for extra crunch. Experiment with different apple varieties or add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for added warmth. A chocolate drizzle or chopped nuts can also enhance the flavor.