Imagine biting into a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a creamy, luscious cheesecake layer, topped with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and finished with a rich drizzle of salted caramel. Sounds heavenly, right? These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are everything you love about fall desserts in one irresistible bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, trust me, you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a moment. Whether you’re cozying up with a cup of coffee, sharing dessert with friends, or looking for the perfect Thanksgiving treat, these bars deliver. Here’s why:
Versatile
Perfect for holidays, parties, or a sweet snack any time of year.
Budget-Friendly
Uses simple pantry staples and seasonal apples to create an elegant dessert.
Quick and Easy
No complicated techniques—just mix, layer, and bake!
Customizable
Try different apples, adjust the caramel drizzle, or even swap the crust for a cookie base.
Crowd-Pleasing
With the combination of creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and sweet caramel, these bars are always a hit!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
The magic of this recipe is in the layers—each one bringing its own texture and flavor. Let’s break it down:
Graham Cracker Crust: A buttery, slightly sweet base that holds everything together. You can also use shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers for a twist!
Cream Cheese: The heart of the cheesecake layer—soft, tangy, and ultra-creamy.
Sugar: Sweetens both the cheesecake and the apple topping while enhancing the natural flavors.
Eggs: Help the cheesecake set into a smooth, custard-like texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake layer.
Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance the sweetness beautifully.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that complement the apples perfectly.
Flour: A touch of flour in the apple mixture helps absorb excess moisture and keeps the bars from getting soggy.
Salted Caramel Sauce: The grand finale! Drizzle generously over the bars for that irresistible sweet-salty contrast.
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking.
Prepare the Crust
In a bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar. Press the mixture firmly into a greased baking dish to form an even layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden, then set aside to cool.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Prepare the Apple Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour until evenly coated. Gently spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Bake to Perfection
Place the dish back in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the apples are tender.
Cool and Chill
Let the bars cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to fully set.
Drizzle with Salted Caramel
Before serving, generously drizzle with warm salted caramel sauce.
Slice and Enjoy
Cut into bars and serve chilled. Each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling time)
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These bars are already amazing on their own, but here are a few ways to make them even better:
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream makes them even more indulgent.
- With Extra Caramel: Drizzle extra caramel just before serving for a gooey finish.
- With Ice Cream: Warm up a bar and serve it with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.
- With a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture.
Additional Tips
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a super smooth cheesecake layer.
- Chill before slicing—this helps the layers set and makes cutting easier.
- Make ahead—these bars taste even better the next day!
- Use homemade salted caramel for an extra special touch, but store-bought works great too.
- Want a thicker crust? Add an extra ½ cup of crushed graham crackers to the mix.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different crust?
Yes! Try a shortbread or vanilla wafer crust for a different texture.
2. What’s the best apple for this recipe?
Granny Smith is great for tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better after chilling overnight.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
5. Can I freeze them?
Yes! Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container for up to 2 months.
6. Do I have to use salted caramel?
No, regular caramel works too, but the salty contrast makes these bars extra special!
7. How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Make sure to bake the crust first and don’t skip the flour in the apple mixture.
8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour.
9. Can I make a full cheesecake instead of bars?
Definitely! Just use a springform pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.
10. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?
Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce works great for convenience.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty flavors. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for a holiday, a party, or just a treat for yourself, one thing is certain—you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and buttery crust, all topped with rich salted caramel. These bars are a decadent and delicious dessert for fall or any special occasion.
Ingredients
**For the Crust:**
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
**For the Cheesecake Layer:**
– 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
**For the Apple Layer:**
– 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
**For the Streusel Topping:**
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
**For the Salted Caramel Sauce:**
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 tsp sea salt
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Pour over the cooled crust.
4. In another bowl, toss diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Evenly spread over the cheesecake layer.
5. For the streusel topping, mix flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the cheesecake is set. Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
7. For the caramel sauce, melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until golden brown. Stir in butter until melted, then slowly whisk in heavy cream. Remove from heat and add sea salt.
8. Drizzle the salted caramel over the chilled bars before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
– Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet cheesecake.
– Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for the best texture.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
– You can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg