These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall dessert! Loaded with thick caramel sauce, tender apples and covered in a cinnamon brown sugar cheesecake filling!
So ever since these Chocolate Nutella Cheesecake Bars hit the stage I’ve been thinking about which version was going to be next.
I love cheesecake but I don’t usually think to make cheesecake bars. But I love how they are a little more approachable and you can cut them up, freeze them in a big container and they’re so easy to pull out for a snack here and there (and here and there and here and there).
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are different because they’re baked, and that’s because I wanted soft, juicy apples inside! But who knows?? Maybe there will have to be a no-bake version in the future 🙂
So one of the coolest things about this here blog is getting feedback from YOU. I love to hear what you guys are cooking and what your favorite recipes are!
I often use my Facebook group (click here to join!) to pick your brains about your favorite foods and what kinds of things you want to see. Back in the summer, I asked about your favorite dessert combinations.
And I don’t know if it was just that you were already sick of the heat and craving fall flavors or if you just really love apples and cinnamon, but that was overwhelmingly #1!
I have to admit that I’m a little surprised that it beat out chocolate and lemon and berries but that’s part of the reason I love hearing from you guys! Because I find it so interesting to see how everyone’s tastes are different (or in this case, very much the same).
So don’t be surprised if you see a lot of apple recipes popping up here this fall — you asked for them!
NOTES:
- I baked these in a square Springform pan — this thing is AMAZING if you’re baking bars that you eventually want to remove from the pan!
- Dulce de leche is a super thick caramel sauce but it’s so easy to make your own. Just make sure whatever you use isn’t too thin or it will make your crust soggy!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter melted
- 1 1/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 2 Granny Smith apples peeled and diced (or another tart apple)
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature 2 packages
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup thick caramel sauce or Dulce de Leche
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Whipped cream and caramel sauce for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a 9×9″ square pan with parchment paper.
- Combine butter and graham cracker crumbs and press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes or just until dry. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add brown sugar and beat on high until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add caramel, cinnamon, eggs, vanilla and beat until smooth.
- Stir in apples.
- Spread cream cheese mixture over crust and bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes or just until center is set (it may still jiggle slightly but will look dry). Remove to come to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours.
- Top with whipped cream and additional caramel sauce if desired before serving.
Nutrition Information
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Charlotte @ What Charlotte Baked says
I need to get myself a square springform tin, like right now! Even though it’s spring, these bars are getting me all nostalgic for fall ?
Ashley Fehr says
They are so handy!
Judy Thurston says
Ashley where can i get a square springform square pan from? I love apples and cheesecake and carmel, I cant wait to try it!
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Judy! This is a link to the one I have: https://amzn.to/2dlp6pl They are really handy to have! I hope you enjoy them!
Melanie @ Gather for Bread says
Swooning over these Ashley!
Kristine @ Kristine's Kitchen says
These look SO good, Ashely! Cheesecake and cheesecake bars are my weakness, and this caramel apple version is so perfect for fall. And and square springform pan?! I’ve never seen one but now I need one!!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry says
These cheesecake bars look amazing!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Holy moly, girlfriend. I seriously just drooled ALL OVER your site! These bars look beyond words incredible! Seriously. I’ll take the whole pan. SO GOOD. Apples and caramel are my favorite combo for fall, but throw in some cinnamon brown sugar cheesecake and SWOON!! I can’t even think. I NEED THIS PRONTO. Pinned! Cheers, chicka!
Rachel @ Bakerita says
Oh man, these cheesecake bars look so good, Ashley! I adore all things caramel apple too – your readers have good taste 🙂
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! I love all things apple (sweet or savory) and this one screams Fall to me! We are in the process of finishing off a Hummingbird cake I made last weekend and I think this should be next on our dessert menu!
Ashley Fehr says
Oh that sounds just as good! I actually don’t know if I’ve ever made a Hummingbird cake but they are so packed with delicious things, I know it would be a hit here! I hope you’re having a great week!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! The Hummingbird cake I made was from David at Spiced blog and it is amazing! I made it in a 13X9 pan and baked it for 37 minutes. If you like upscale banana bread with pecans make this!
Ashley Fehr says
Oh I will definitely try it this holiday season! Thanks Dorothy!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert says
You just stole my heart with these bars! Love the caramel apple cheesecake flavor. I must have one!!!
Ashley Fehr says
I wish I had some left! Thanks Jen 🙂
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl says
You mean to tell me that they make springform pans in SQUARE form? WHAT. That is revolutionary. Ordering right.now. Thank you for that info.
What beautiful cheesecake bars! The caramel drizzle – eep!! It’s funny – sometimes even the same dessert but in bar form or in some other type of form feels like a whole new dessert. Know what I mean? These are lovely!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! Isn’t it awesome! Easy peasy! Thanks Sarah!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Aren’t cheesecake bars the BEST? I made an caramel apple version a while back that I’m sharing next week, so I’m loving your twist on these. Love that thick cheesecake layer, Ashley! SO GOOD!
Ashley Fehr says
Yes! I feel like it’s something I’ve just discovered but for some reason they seem easier than a regular cheesecake. Lol. Why is it that the shape of the pan makes them seem easier? I can’t wait to see your version!
Jess @ Sweetest Menu says
This is amazing Ashley! I love the flavour of caramel apple and I love cheesecake. Totally my kind of dessert!! xx
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, me too! One of my favorites!