Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine everything people love about fall desserts in one bite: buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, soft cinnamon‑spiced apples and a rich drizzle of caramel sauce. These bars are perfect for autumn gatherings, potlucks or any time you want a cozy, make‑ahead treat that slices neatly and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Layer
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup all‑purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar and cinnamon; press firmly into the pan and bake 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, add eggs one at a time, then vanilla; spread over the crust.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg; scatter evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- For streusel, combine flour and brown sugar, cut in cold butter, stir in pecans if using, and sprinkle over apples.
- Bake 45–50 minutes, until the topping is golden and the center is set; cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours.
- For caramel, cook sugar and water over medium‑high heat without stirring until amber, remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, then butter and salt; cool slightly.
- Cut chilled bars into squares and drizzle each piece with warm caramel sauce just before serving.