Learn how to make Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, the perfect dessert for any occasion! These bars combine a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cinnamon cheesecake filling, and a delightful caramel apple topping. Whether you’re serving them at a fall gathering, Halloween party, or holiday celebration, these bars will impress your guests with their rich flavors and beautiful presentation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor – The combination of caramel and apple in a cheesecake creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
Easy Preparation – Skip the springform pan and water bath; this recipe is straightforward and fuss-free!
Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for holidays, parties, or just a cozy night in with family.
Make Ahead Option – These cheesecake bars can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for several days.
Versatile Toppings – Feel free to customize with nuts or additional caramel sauce to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making these delicious bars, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

9×13 inch baking dish – This size is perfect for even baking and easy slicing into bars.
Electric mixer – Ensures your cream cheese mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Mixing bowls – Having multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized during preparation.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create these delightful Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars:

For the Crust

2 1/4 cups (302g) graham cracker crumbs
3 tbsp (39g) sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup (207g) sugar
3 tbsp (24g) all purpose flour
3/4 cup (173g) sour cream, room temperature
1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon
3 large eggs, room temperature

For the Apple Topping

2 large apples, chopped
1/4 cup (56g) light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
sprinkle of lemon juice

For Serving

1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

How to Make Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth using an electric mixer. Gradually add in sugar and flour while continuing to mix. Then add sour cream, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Pour this filling over the baked crust.

Step 3: Add the Apples

In another bowl, toss chopped apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Evenly distribute this mixture over the cheesecake filling.

Step 4: Bake

Bake everything together for about 50 minutes or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before refrigerating.

Step 5: Serve with Toppings

Once chilled for at least four hours (or overnight), slice into bars. Whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Serve each bar topped with whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars!

How to Serve Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Serving your Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars can elevate the dessert experience. Here are some delightful ideas to make your serving moment special.

Casual Gatherings

Chilled Slices – Serve the bars straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.
With Coffee – Pair them with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or espresso for a cozy afternoon snack.

Special Occasions

Garnished Plates – Add a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon on each plate.
Whipped Cream Dollops – Top each slice with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for added richness.

Family Dinner

Ice Cream Scoop – Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a great contrast in temperatures.
Fruit Compote – Add a side of warm apple or berry compote for extra fruity flavor.

How to Perfect Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Getting your Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars just right can make all the difference. Here are some essential tips to ensure perfection.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients – Allow cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature for a smoother filling.
Don’t Overmix the Batter – Mix just until combined to avoid incorporating too much air, which can cause cracks.
Cool Gradually – After baking, let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar to prevent cracking.
Store Properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Complementing your Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with side dishes can enhance your dessert spread. Here are some excellent options.

Apple Cider – A warm or chilled glass of spiced apple cider pairs wonderfully with these cheesecake bars.
Pumpkin Soup – Start your meal with creamy pumpkin soup for a cozy fall touch that balances sweetness.
Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the rich cheesecake flavors.
Cheese Platter – Include assorted cheeses like brie and cheddar for a savory accompaniment.
Candied Nuts – Serve crunchy candied nuts on the side for added texture and flavor diversity.
Chocolate Fondue – A fun option where guests can dip fruits and cookies alongside their cheesecake bars.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to disappointment. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using cold ingredients: Cold cream cheese and eggs can lead to a lumpy filling. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smooth texture.
Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing the baking pan can make it difficult to remove the bars. Use cooking spray or parchment paper for easy removal.
Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can introduce excess air, leading to cracks. Mix just until combined for the best results.
Ignoring baking time: Each oven is different. Start checking your cheesecake bars a few minutes before the recommended baking time to avoid overcooking.
Not letting it cool properly: Cutting into the bars too soon can result in a messy slice. Allow them to cool completely before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Freezing Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap.
Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat individual bars for about 30 seconds on medium power.
Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars:

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with pears or berries for a different flavor profile.

How do I make my cheesecake bars firmer?

Ensure you use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing. You can also add an extra tablespoon of flour.

Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! They store well in the fridge or freezer, making them perfect for meal prep or special occasions.

What’s the best way to serve Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

Serve them chilled with a drizzle of caramel sauce and whipped cream on top for an irresistible treat!

Final Thoughts

These Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are decadent and delightful, making them perfect for any occasion. With their creamy filling and sweet apple topping, they’re sure to impress family and friends. Don’t hesitate to customize them by adding nuts or using different fruits based on your preferences!

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Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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Author: Jessica
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x

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Description

Indulge in the delightful taste of Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, the ultimate dessert for every occasion! These luscious bars feature a crunchy graham cracker crust, a velvety cinnamon cheesecake filling, and a sweet caramel apple topping that will captivate your guests. Perfect for fall gatherings, Halloween parties, or holiday celebrations, this recipe is straightforward and requires no complicated techniques. With the ability to make them ahead of time, you can enjoy these rich flavors without any stress. Customize with your favorite toppings like nuts or extra caramel to make them even more special. Enjoy the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy with every bite!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter. Press into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in sugar and flour. Add sour cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and eggs one at a time. Pour over the baked crust.
Toss chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice; spread over cheesecake mixture.
Bake for 50 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Cool on a wire rack before refrigerating for at least four hours.
Slice into bars and serve topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American