Description
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crust, soft-spiced apple pieces, smooth creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious caramel layer, creating a perfectly balanced dessert that is ideal for fall or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Sautéed Apples
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Mix the flour, brown sugar, and softened butter until crumbly, then press evenly into a baking pan. Bake briefly at 350°F (175°C) until golden to form a sturdy, buttery base.
- Sauté the apples: Peel, core, and dice apples. Toss with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Cook in a pan over medium heat until apples are slightly softened but still hold their shape.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until silky and well combined without overmixing.
- Assemble the bars: Pour half the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spread sautéed apples evenly on top, then cover with remaining filling. Drizzle caramel sauce over the surface and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake and cool: Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35-45 minutes or until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars for clean, perfect portions.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to avoid lumps and create a smooth filling.
- Do not overmix cheesecake batter to prevent cracks caused by excess air.
- Using a water bath during baking helps achieve an ultra-smooth cheesecake texture.
- Cool bars completely before slicing to keep layers intact and avoid crumbling.
- Making homemade caramel sauce allows control over sweetness and thickness.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans in the crust or as garnish for added crunch.
- Use salted caramel for a sweet and salty flavor or vegan caramel with dairy substitutes for a plant-based version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg