Introduction to Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ah, Autumn and its scents. Nothing’s quite like it with a pan of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Time, for a busy mom like me, is such a precious commodity. So, a recipe like this one is an absolute gem for quick gatherings or a cozy night at home. What appears to be a very time-consuming layered cheesecake is really simple to make-spiced apples and creamy cheesecake over a base of buttery shortbread. It’s basically the dessert version of a warm hug! Your family will definitely feel that you have spent hours making this lovely treat, but hey, my lips are sealed!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, all packed into one easy dessert. They’re perfect for busy days when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re a hit at family gatherings or potlucks. Whether you’re indulging on a cozy evening or impressing guests, this treat is sure to wow everyone at the table!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
To whip up these delightful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that blend beautifully together. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- Graham crackers: These form the buttery crust that’s the foundation of your bars. They provide that classic crunchy texture.
- Granulated sugar: A sweetener that enhances the flavors of both the crust and the cheesecake layer.
- Salted butter: This brings richness to the crust and crumb topping, helping everything come together.
- Granny Smith apples: Their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel. They hold up wonderfully when baked!
- Lemon juice: This adds a bright note to the apples, keeping them fresh and flavorful.
- Brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of caramel flavor to the apple mixture, making it even more indulgent.
- Apple pie spice: A warm spice blend that brings the essence of autumn to your dessert; you can substitute pumpkin pie spice if needed.
- Sour cream: It adds creaminess to the cheesecake layer, making it extra smooth and tangy.
- Vanilla extract: The classic flavor enhancer that rounds out the cheesecake’s taste.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together, giving the cheesecake its rich structure.
- All-purpose flour: This ingredient helps stabilize the cheesecake mixture, ensuring it sets properly.
- Old-fashioned oats: A crunchy addition to the crumb topping, providing a lovely texture contrast.
- Baking powder: It helps the crumb topping become light and fluffy while baking.
- Caramel sauce (optional): A luxurious touch that can elevate your bars, drizzled generously on top before serving.
All the exact quantities for these ingredients can be found at the bottom of the article and are available for printing. Happy baking!
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven ready! Preheating your oven to 350°F ensures even baking. It’s essential for those luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, so don’t skip this step. While the oven heats, prepare your baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or giving it a light spray of nonstick cooking spray. This will make cleanup a breeze!
Create the Graham Cracker Crust
Now, it’s time to make the crust, the cozy blanket holding everything together! Start by crushing your graham crackers. You can use a food processor or simply place them in a ziplock bag and smash away with a rolling pin. Once crushed, mix them with granulated sugar and melted butter in a bowl. Press this mixture tightly into the bottom of your baking dish, and pop it in the freezer while you prepare the rest. Trust me, a sturdy crust will hold these bars together beautifully!
Prepare the Apple Layer
Now onto the apple layer that adds that delightful burst of flavor! In a medium bowl, combine your chopped Granny Smith apples with fresh lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything together until the apples are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside to allow those beautiful flavors to mingle while you work on the cheesecake layer.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
Time to whip up the creamy goodness of the cheesecake layer! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, add in the sour cream and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Don’t over-mix! You want a silky, rich batter without too much air.
Combine the Crumb Topping
The crumb topping is what adds that delightful crunch on top! In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated and brown sugars, oats, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Whisk these together until they’ve got a nice even consistency. Stir in melted butter until it resembles a crumbly mixture. This step is crucial for that irresistible texture!
Assemble the Bars
Let’s bring all the flavors together! Start by removing the graham cracker crust from the freezer and pour the smooth cheesecake layer over it. Spread it out evenly with a spatula. Next, spoon the apple mixture right on top, spreading it gently. Finally, sprinkle the crumb topping over all that delicious goodness. It’s like a warm hug wrapped in layers of flavor!
Bake to Perfection
Now we bake! Place your assembled bars in the preheated oven and let them bake for 35 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle—like a well-cooked custard. This heavenly smell will fill your kitchen, making it oh-so-hard to wait!
Cool and Serve
Patience is key, my friend! Allow your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars to cool completely at room temperature. After that, refrigerate them for at least 6 hours, or overnight if possible. This chilling time helps the bars firm up nicely, making cutting and serving a breeze. Once chilled, cut them into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce for that extra touch of indulgence!
Tips for Success
- Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
- Press the graham cracker crust tightly to keep the bars intact.
- Don’t over-mix the cheesecake layer; a few lumps are okay!
- Let the bars cool completely before refrigerating for best results.
- If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought caramel sauce.
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 baking dish: Essential for baking the bars; a ceramic or glass dish works well.
- Parchment paper: For easy removal of the bars; you can use aluminum foil if needed.
- Mixing bowls: A set of varying sizes helps for mixing different layers.
- Food processor or rolling pin: For crushing graham crackers; a heavy glass can also do the trick.
- Spatula: Perfect for spreading and smoothing the cheesecake layer.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Swap the graham crackers for gluten-free cookies or oat flour to create a delicious gluten-free version of these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lower-fat alternative, and substitute some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with different spices! Try a little cinnamon or nutmeg in the apple layer for a warming twist on the flavors.
- Caramel Pecan Version: Top the bars with caramel and chopped pecans for a decadent twist that will make your taste buds dance.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and richness.
- Serve them with freshly brewed coffee or spiced apple cider to enhance the cozy flavors.
- For a festive presentation, arrange bars on a beautiful platter and drizzle with extra caramel sauce.
FAQs about Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Can I make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in advance?
Absolutely! These bars are even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. Just prepare them, let them cool, and refrigerate overnight. They are a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings!
What should I do if I don’t have apple pie spice?
Don’t worry! You can easily substitute it with pumpkin pie spice or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. This will still give your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars that warm, cozy flavor!
How do I store leftover bars?
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to five days. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper if you stack them to avoid sticking!
Can I freeze these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?
You bet! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll stay fresh for about three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving for the best texture!
What’s the best way to cut these bars?
To get clean, neat slices, use a sharp knife that you dip in hot water and wipe dry before cutting. This technique helps the knife glide through the cheesecake layer without squishing it. Happy slicing!
Final Thoughts
There’s something absolutely magical about pulling a batch of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars from the fridge, each square perfectly set and glistening with caramel. With their creamy texture and warm apple flavor, these bars are more than just dessert; they’re a sweet escape from a busy day. Sharing them with family or friends sparks joy and creates unforgettable moments. So, gather your loved ones, slice up this delightful treat, and bask in the smiles that follow. I promise, each bite will feel like a celebration of comfort and happiness in your kitchen!
Print
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delicious dessert combining creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a crumbly topping and drizzled with caramel.
Ingredients
- 15 graham crackers
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup caramel sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- For the Graham Cracker Crust: Crush the graham crackers in a food processor or by placing in a large ziplock bag and crushing with a rolling pin. Transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and melted butter. Press the crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan and freeze.
- For the Apple Layer: In a medium bowl, combine chopped apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Toss until the ingredients are evenly mixed and set aside.
- For the Cheesecake Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together with a mixer until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add eggs and mix on low speed just until incorporated.
- For the Crumb Topping: In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Whisk together, then stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Assembly: Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the cheesecake layer over it. Spread evenly. Spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer and then spoon the crumb topping over the apple layer.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the edges are set and the middle has a slight jiggle. Cool completely, then refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for best results.
- Chilling overnight helps the bars set properly.
- Caramel sauce can be homemade or store-bought.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
