Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup diced apples; 1 cup brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Delight your guests this Thanksgiving with these rich and creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious apple-spiced cheesecake filling, and a generous drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, these bars are the perfect combination of flavors and textures. They are easy to make and will surely become a favorite addition to your dessert table.

Created by

Emma Johnson

Last updated on 2025-11-05T14:43:31.964Z

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are not just desserts; they are a celebration of the fall season. The combination of apples and caramel, paired with a creamy cheesecake filling, brings warmth and joy to any gathering.

The Perfect Thanksgiving Treat

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and feasting, making it the perfect occasion to showcase delightful desserts like the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. These bars combine the warm spices of autumn and the indulgence of cheesecake, appealing to everyone at the table. Elevating the traditional flavors of apple pie, they offer a creamy, smooth texture that will leave your guests craving more.

What sets these bars apart is their versatility. They can be prepared in advance and served chilled or at room temperature, making them a fantastic choice for busy holiday preparations. Their visually appealing layers also make for an eye-catching presentation on your dessert table, adding to the festive spirit of the season.

Making Cheesecake Bars Simplified

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its straightforward process. Even if you're a beginner baker, you can create these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with ease. The crust only requires three simple ingredients mixed together and pressed into a pan, while the filling comes together with just a few steps. This simplified recipe ensures that delicious homemade dessert doesn't have to be complicated.

Moreover, the inclusion of fresh apples adds a delightful texture and natural sweetness to the cheesecake. You can use any varieties you prefer, from crisp Granny Smith to sweet Honeycrisp, tailoring the recipe to suit your taste. The combination of flavors allows for creativity, ensuring that each batch can reflect your personal touch.

Tips for the Perfect Caramel Sauce

The homemade caramel sauce is truly the star of this recipe. It brings a rich and buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake and tart apples. To achieve the perfect consistency, keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers. Allow it to reach a gentle boil before lowering the heat; this prevents burning while still moving towards that golden hue.

Don’t be discouraged if your sauce doesn't come out perfectly on the first try. Practice makes perfect! If it's too thick, you can whisk in a little more cream; if it's too thin, simply cook it longer. Enjoy the process, and remember that homemade caramel can elevate any dessert, making it worth the effort.

Ingredients

For the crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup sugar

For the cheesecake filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup diced apples

For the caramel sauce

1 cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture into a 9x9 inch baking pan to form an even crust.

Make the cheesecake filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in ground cinnamon and diced apples. Pour the filling over the crust.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the filling is set. Remove from oven and let cool completely.

Prepare the caramel sauce

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in vanilla and salt.

Serve

Once cooled, drizzle the homemade caramel sauce over the cheesecake bars. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars shine when served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm flavors of the cheesecake and caramel, creating a delightful balance on the palate. Consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon for an added touch of fall flavor.

If you're hosting a large gathering, cut the bars into bite-sized squares for easy serving. This way, guests can enjoy them alongside other desserts, allowing everyone to sample a variety of sweet treats throughout the evening.

Storage Tips

Leftover cheesecake bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Make sure to place parchment paper between layers if stacking them to prevent sticking. This ease of storage makes them a fantastic option for meal prepping or weekday snacks after your Thanksgiving feast.

If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the bars. After they have cooled completely, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then in foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying them again, delivering freshness with each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce can be used if you're short on time.

→ How long can I store these bars?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.