Can I freeze these bars

Yes. Just don’t add the caramel until after thawing. Wrap them tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months

Can I make them ahead

Absolutely. Make them a day in advance and store in the fridge. They actually taste better the next day

What if I don’t have graham crackers

You can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies

Do I have to make homemade caramel

Nope. Store-bought caramel dip works fine if you’re in a rush

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (Easy Fall Dessert Recipe)

Description

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are everything you love about fall wrapped into one irresistible dessert. They’ve got a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake center, soft cinnamon apples, and a golden streusel topping. Oh, and don’t forget that final drizzle of homemade caramel. One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with apple pie.

Ingredients

Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup unsalted butter (melted), ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer: 16 oz cream cheese (softened), ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Layer: 3 Granny Smith apples (peeled & diced), 2 tbsp lemon juice, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg
Streusel: ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed), ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Caramel Sauce: 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup water, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, ¼ tsp salt

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Instructions

Make the crust: Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press into a 9×13 pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
Cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mix again. Pour over crust and smooth.
Apple layer: Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread over cheesecake layer.
Streusel: Combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly, stir in pecans. Sprinkle over apples.
Bake: Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes until center is set and top is golden. Cool completely, then refrigerate 2+ hours.
Caramel: In saucepan, heat sugar and water until golden. Carefully whisk in cream, butter, and salt. Cool slightly.
Serve: Slice chilled bars, drizzle with caramel, and enjoy every gooey bite.

Notes

Chill before slicing for clean edges. Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze bars without caramel for up to 3 months. Reheat slightly if desired and drizzle with caramel before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 60mg