Go Back
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar The crust is the base of the bars. It is easy to make. You need graham cracker crumbs, melted unsalted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix these three well. This makes a sweet, crunchy layer. Press the mixture into your pan. Bake it for about 8-10 minutes. It should look golden and set. - 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 tsp vanilla extract - 1 tsp ground cinnamon For the cheesecake layer, soft cream cheese is key. Mix it with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. This helps keep it creamy. Stir in vanilla and cinnamon for flavor. This layer is rich and creamy, bringing balance to the sweet crust. - 2 cups apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced - ¼ cup brown sugar - 1 tsp ground cinnamon - ½ tsp ground nutmeg - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice The apple topping adds freshness. Choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They add a nice tartness. Mix diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. This will coat the apples in a sweet, spicy mix. It makes each bite juicy and flavorful. - Store-bought or homemade caramel sauce The caramel drizzle is the final touch. You can use store-bought or make your own. It adds sweetness and richness. Drizzle it over the bars before serving for a delicious finish. This makes the dessert look and taste gourmet. - Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This helps the crust bake evenly. - In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Stir until it looks like wet sand. - Press the mixture firmly into a 9x9 inch baking pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. This creates a solid base for our bars. - In a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with ¾ cup of sugar. Use an electric mixer for a smooth mix. - Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1 tsp of ground cinnamon. This gives the cheesecake its rich flavor. - Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of diced apples, ¼ cup of brown sugar, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, ½ tsp of ground nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Toss the apples to coat well. - Spread the apple mix evenly over the cheesecake layer. Press down lightly to help the apples stick. - Bake the assembled cheesecake bars for 40-45 minutes. Look for lightly golden edges. The center can jiggle but will set as it cools. - After baking, let them cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for 2 hours. This step is crucial for easy slicing. To get the right texture, soften the cream cheese well. Take it out of the fridge an hour before you start. This step makes it easier to mix. If your cream cheese is too cold, lumps will form. Mix the cream cheese and sugar until it is very smooth. This will help your cheesecake layer be creamy and soft. When making the cheesecake layer, mix well after adding each egg. This ensures a uniform batter. The vanilla and cinnamon should blend in completely. Arranging the cheesecake bars is key for a great look. Cut them into even squares for nice portions. Place them on a pretty plate to impress your guests. For a lovely finish, dust the tops with powdered sugar. A light sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm touch. Drizzle some extra caramel on top for that wow factor. This makes the bars look as good as they taste. To bake your cheesecake bars perfectly, check your oven’s temperature. An oven thermometer can help you ensure it is accurate. If your oven runs hot or cold, adjust the time. Keep an eye on your bars as they bake. They should have golden edges and a slight jiggle in the center. Each oven bakes a bit differently. If your oven is slower, you might need to bake a little longer. {{image_4}} You can add fun flavors to your cheesecake bars. One easy way is to mix in chocolate chips. They bring a rich taste that pairs well with the apple and caramel. You can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. Just fold them into the cheesecake batter before pouring it over the crust. Another option is swapping vanilla extract for other extracts. Almond extract gives a nice twist to the flavor. You can also try maple or hazelnut extracts for something different. Just remember to use these extracts sparingly. A little goes a long way. If you want to change up the fruit, you can use different apple varieties. Try Fuji or Gala apples for a sweeter taste. Honeycrisp apples are also crunchy and sweet. They can add a unique texture to your bars. You can also incorporate pears or berries. Sliced pears add a soft and sweet flavor. If you like berries, try mixing in blueberries or raspberries. These fruits can bring a fresh and bright taste to the dish. For those who need gluten-free options, you can easily modify the crust. Instead of graham cracker crumbs, use gluten-free cookie crumbs. Almond flour or gluten-free oats can work too. Just make sure the ingredients are certified gluten-free. You may also need to adjust your ingredient sourcing. Check that your sugar and other items are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious cheesecake bars without worry. To keep your warm caramel apple cinnamon cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps them last longer. When you close the container, make sure it seals well. This prevents moisture from getting in. Moisture can ruin the texture of the bars. When you want to serve the bars warm, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them from getting soggy. You want them warm but not wet. If you want to freeze the cheesecake bars, it’s easy! First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place wrapped bars in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. When you’re ready to eat them, take them out to thaw. Let them sit in the fridge overnight before serving. Yes, you can use coconut sugar instead of regular sugar. Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and adds a slight caramel flavor. You can swap it in a one-to-one ratio. This change can make your bars taste even richer. When stored properly, these cheesecake bars can last up to five days in the fridge. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This way, you can enjoy them multiple times! Absolutely! You can prepare these cheesecake bars a day before. Just bake them, cool, and refrigerate. This helps the flavors meld together. Simply drizzle with caramel before serving for a fresh touch. Look for the edges to be lightly golden. The center should still have a slight jiggle. It will firm up as it cools. This ensures a creamy and smooth texture in every bite. This blog gave you everything to make delicious cheesecake bars. You learned about the crust, cheesecake filling, and apple topping. Each step, from mixing ingredients to baking, helps you succeed. Plus, I shared tips for perfect texture and fun variations. Your dessert can be a hit at any gathering. Remember to store and reheat them right, too. Enjoy each tasty bite! You have the tools to impress and satisfy everyone with these cheesecake bars.

Warm Caramel Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the ultimate fall dessert with warm caramel apple cinnamon cheesecake bars! These delicious bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, and a spiced apple topping, all drizzled with rich caramel. Perfect for sharing or savoring alone, this recipe is a must-try! Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your dessert game today. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the apple topping:

2 cups apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

½ tsp ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the caramel drizzle:

Your choice of store-bought or homemade caramel sauce

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring you leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture is evenly coated and resembles moist sand.

      Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create an even crust layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until just set and lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

        While the crust cools, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

          Add the eggs into the cream cheese mixture, one at a time, ensuring to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, mixing until fully combined and smooth.

            Carefully pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly.

              In a separate bowl, mix together the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss the apples until they are fully coated in the sugar and spices.

                Gently distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. Press the apples down lightly to ensure they adhere to the cheesecake.

                  Place the assembled cheesecake bars in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set with lightly golden edges. The center may still jiggle slightly but will firm up as it cools.

                    Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Afterward, refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to fully set before slicing into bars.

                      Right before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled bars for an indulgent finish.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours | Servings: 12 servings

                          - Presentation Tips: For delightful presentation, arrange the cheesecake bars on a decorative plate. Dust with powdered sugar, then drizzle with extra caramel sauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an enticing look.