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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Caroline

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Rich cheesecake bars layered with cinnamon-spiced apples, buttery streusel, and finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, and bake sales.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp ground 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 ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground 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

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • parchment paper
  • mixing bowls
  • electric mixer
  • saucepan
  • whisk
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment. Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press firmly into pan and bake 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
  2. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Pour evenly over crust.
  3. Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over cheesecake layer.
  4. Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and pecans until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over apples.
  5. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden and set. Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.
  6. Cook sugar and water over medium heat until amber. Carefully whisk in cream, butter, and salt until smooth.
  7. Slice chilled bars with a clean sharp knife and drizzle with warm caramel before serving.

Notes

Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean layers. Caramel thickens as it cools—reheat gently if needed.