Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These bars stack four distinct layers into one dessert — a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, spiced diced apples, and a buttery streusel topping, all finished with a homemade caramel sauce made from scratch. Each component is simple on its own, but the combined result tastes like a genuine bakery treat. A long chill after baking is what lets everything set firmly enough to cut into clean squares.

Layered bars with graham crust, cheesecake, spiced apples, and streusel, topped with caramel.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Fast: ready in about 195 minutes (30 min prep, 45 min cook)
• Simple: 22 everyday ingredients
• Feeds the family: 16 servings
• Light: about 350 calories per serving

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while preparing the other layers.
5. Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
6. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7. Stir in the vanilla extract.
8. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
9. Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
10. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
11. Mix the flour and brown sugar together in a bowl.
12. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture turns crumbly.
13. Stir in the chopped pecans if using.
14. Sprinkle the streusel over the apple layer.
15. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, until the streusel turns golden and the cheesecake sets.
16. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
17. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
18. Raise the heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns amber, about 8 to 10 minutes.
19. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the cream, since it will bubble vigorously.
20. Stir in the butter and salt until smooth.
21. Let the caramel cool slightly.
22. Cut the chilled bars into squares.
23. Drizzle with the warm caramel sauce just before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Press the crust firmly and evenly so it holds together once the bars are sliced.
• Don't stir the caramel once it starts to color, since stirring can cause it to crystallize.
• Let the bars cool completely before chilling, and chill for the full time so they slice cleanly.

Substitutions

• Store-bought caramel sauce can replace the homemade version.
• Honeycrisp apples can replace Granny Smith for a sweeter filling.
• Walnuts can replace pecans in the streusel.

Storage

• Refrigerate covered for up to 5 days.
• Keep chilled until just before serving.
• Freeze unglazed bars for up to a month, adding fresh caramel after thawing.

Serving Suggestions

• Cut into squares and serve chilled.
• Add extra caramel drizzle right before serving.
• Pair with coffee for a rich dessert course.

Nutrition (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal

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