Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall dessert made with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, apple pie filling, and a caramel drizzle. If you take these cheesecake bars to a family gathering or bake sale all you’ll be left with are crumbs!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
This apple dessert is easy to make and only needs a few ingredients. The crust is made by baking graham crackers and melted butter in a pie dish. Then the cheesecake filling is poured into the buttery crust and baked once more. After the cheesecake has firmed and set in the refrigerator, the juicy apples are poured in, and to top it off a warm caramel sauce is drizzled over the top. Other apple desserts can’t compare!
How To Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the edges of the paper hangs over the edges of the pan slightly.
Grease the paper and any exposed sides of the pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and butter until the mixture begins to stick together.
Press the crust into the baking dish.
Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees.
Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream until smooth.
Add the eggs and beat until well combined.
Spread the batter over the top of the crust and return the pan into the oven.
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the filling set but the center is still slightly soft.
Allow the cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature, then chill for at least four hours.
When ready to serve, top with apple pie filling and caramel sauce, then cut into bars.
Expert Tips
The easiest way to make these cheesecake bars is to follow these tips and tricks.
- Chill for at least 4 hours to allow the cheesecake to set.
- Cook the cheesecake bars first and then, right before you’re ready to serve the dessert, top it with the apple pie filling and caramel sauce.
- Be sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before trying to mix it otherwise there will be lumps.
- Stir some fresh lemon juice into the apple pie filling to add a nice, bright balance.
Variations
This creamy cheesecake is easy to change based on your tastes and preferences. Here are some options to get you started.
- Use pie crust instead of graham cracker crust.
- Make your own apple pie filling and homemade caramel sauce instead of using store-bought.
- Use another fruit pie filling like cherry, peach, pear, or plum depending on what you have available or what’s in season.
How To Serve
Serve this easy recipe for special occasions like holidays or birthdays any time of year. You can also take it to potluck dinners or family gatherings. It pairs well with other desserts like a peppermint chocolate Swiss roll, no-bake marshmallow pumpkin pie, or a strawberry cake roll.
How To Store
Refrigerate: Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container or wrapped with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to five days.
Reheat: Cheesecake is great when served cold, but you can also cut a piece and allow it to come to room temperature on the counter.
Freeze: One of the great things about cheesecake is that it’s an excellent dessert to make and freeze for later. You can allow it to set in the fridge, cut it into slices, wrap the slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze them for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat a slice of frozen cheesecake, take it out of the freezer and put it in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. You can also put it on the counter if you plan on eating it the same day.
FAQs
How long does it take to bake this caramel apple cheesecake?
It takes around 45 to 55 minutes to bake this cheesecake all the way through. Allow it to cool to room temperature and then in the refrigerator to continue setting.
Why do I need to let the cheesecake cool before cutting it?
Cheesecake needs to cool in the fridge before cutting into it so the filling settles and stays firm. If you cut into it too early, the filling will fall apart and be crumbly rather than smooth and creamy.
What else can I use to top these cheesecake bars?
Add some streusel topping to the apple filling along with a dollop of whipped cream right before serving.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall dessert made with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, apple pie filling, and a caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham crackers
- 4 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
Filling
- 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 eggs
Topping
- 1 can apple pie filling
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper, making sure the edges of the paper hang over the edges of the pan slightly.
- Grease the paper and any exposed sides of the pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and butter until the mixture begins to stick together.
- Press the crust into the baking dish.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees.
- Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream until smooth.
- Add the eggs and beat until well combined.
- Spread the batter over the top of the crust and return the pan into the oven.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until the filling is set but the center is still slightly soft.
- Allow the cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature, then chill for at least four hours.
- When ready to serve, top with apple pie filling and caramel sauce, then cut into bars.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 264Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 192mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 0gSugar: 23gProtein: 4g