Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

Table of Contents

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of crisp apples, creamy cheesecake, and luxurious caramel that makes these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars the ultimate fall dessert. Whether you’re hosting a cozy autumn gathering or simply craving a show-stopping treat, these spiced apple cheesecake squares deliver layers of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect foundation for silky cheesecake filling, topped with cinnamon-spiced apples and a generous caramel drizzle dessert finish.

What makes this apple cheesecake dessert bars recipe truly special is how effortlessly elegant it is. You don’t need professional baking skills to create these stunning fall cheesecake treats. With straightforward steps and everyday ingredients, you’ll have a dessert that looks like it came from a fancy bakery but tastes even better because it’s made with love in your own kitchen. Let me walk you through creating these irresistible bars that perfectly capture the essence of autumn in every bite.

Recipe Information

Recipe Component	Details
Difficulty Level	Medium
Prep Time	30 minutes
Bake Time	45 minutes
Chill Time	4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time	5 hours 15 minutes
Servings	16 bars
Calories per Serving	285 calories
Best Served	Chilled with extra caramel drizzle

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14-16 whole crackers)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the Spiced Apple Topping:

• 3 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• ¾ cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
• Sea salt flakes for garnish (optional)

Equipment and Utensils Required

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Medium saucepan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Wire cooling rack

Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, creating a compact layer. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to pack it down well. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Add the sugar and beat until well combined and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until combined. Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until the batter is smooth and lump-free. Don’t overmix as this can incorporate too much air and cause cracks.

Step 4: Assemble the First Layers

Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly to the edges. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. The edges should look set while the center has a slight wobble. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the apple topping.

Step 5: Cook the Spiced Apple Topping

While the cheesecake layer is cooling, prepare your apple topping. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and lemon juice. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this to the apple mixture and stir for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Add the Apple Layer

Once the cheesecake layer has cooled for about 15-20 minutes, carefully spoon the spiced apple mixture evenly over the top. Spread it gently to cover the entire surface, being careful not to disturb the cheesecake layer underneath.

Step 7: Final Bake

Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to set the apple topping. The edges should look golden and the apples should be bubbling slightly. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.

Step 8: Chill and Add Caramel

Once cooled to room temperature, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for achieving clean cuts and perfect texture. When ready to serve, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the entire dessert from the pan. Place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, to slice into 16 bars. Drizzle each bar generously with caramel sauce and sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired.

Chef’s Tips and Variations

Pro Tips for Perfect Bars:

• Room temperature ingredients are key: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
• Don’t overbake: The cheesecake should have a slight jiggle in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
• Clean cuts: For the neatest slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut.
• Make ahead friendly: These bars actually taste better the next day after the flavors have melded together in the refrigerator.

Delicious Variations:

• No-bake caramel apple bars version: Skip the baking steps for the cheesecake layer by using a no-bake cheesecake filling with gelatin or whipped cream stabilizer. Simply chill until set.
• Pecan crunch: Add ½ cup chopped pecans to the graham cracker crust or sprinkle them over the apple layer for extra texture and nuttiness.
• Different crusts: Try using gingersnap cookies, vanilla wafers, or even Biscoff cookies instead of graham crackers for a unique flavor twist.
• Apple varieties: Mix different apple types like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness to create a more complex flavor profile.
• Salted caramel upgrade: Make your own salted caramel sauce or use store-bought salted caramel for an extra luxurious touch.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store these fall cheesecake treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They’re perfect for making ahead for gatherings.
• Freezer: These bars freeze beautifully! Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh caramel drizzle before serving.
• Serving tip: Let the bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Perfect Pairings:

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, spiced chai tea, or even a glass of cold apple cider. For a complete autumn dessert spread, serve them alongside Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie or Pioneer Woman Pecan Pie Balls.

If you’re planning a full Thanksgiving feast, consider starting with Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad and serving Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey with Glazed Carrots as sides. For appetizers, Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls and Turkey Cranberry Sliders are crowd-pleasers. And if you love cheesecake-inspired treats, don’t miss the Cherry Cheesecake Puppy Chow!

Nutrition Information (Per Bar)

• Calories: 285
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 195mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 33g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 4g

Note: Nutrition information is approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are everything you love about fall baking wrapped into one decadent dessert. The combination of creamy cheesecake, warm spiced apples, buttery graham cracker crust bars, and sweet caramel creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’ll make these a staple in your autumn recipe collection. Whether you’re bringing them to a potluck, serving them at Thanksgiving, or simply treating yourself on a crisp fall evening, these bars never disappoint.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility and make-ahead convenience. You can customize the spices, experiment with different apple varieties, or even try the no-bake version for warmer days. Once you master this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again throughout the season.

Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below sharing your results, any creative variations you tried, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to share photos of your beautiful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars on social media and tag me! For more delicious seasonal recipes and baking inspiration, follow me on Pinterest where I share all my favorite fall desserts and cooking tips.

Pin this recipe for later and share it with friends who love apple desserts as much as you do!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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