Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: A Heavenly Dessert

If you’ve ever craved a dessert that combines the best of fall flavors with the creamy goodness of cheesecake, look no further than these Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. These bars are an irresistible treat, boasting a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust, a velvety cinnamon cheesecake filling, a decadent caramel apple topping, and a luscious dollop of homemade cinnamon whipped cream. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, holiday celebrations, or just indulging in a sweet craving, this dessert will surely be a hit.

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These bars are the perfect dessert for anyone who loves cheesecake but doesn’t want the hassle of dealing with a springform pan or water bath. You’ll get the same rich and creamy cheesecake flavor with less stress and effort, making this recipe as easy as it is delicious.

The beauty of these Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars lies in their balanced layers. The graham cracker crust gives the bars a satisfying crunch, while the smooth cinnamon cheesecake filling melts in your mouth. Topped with caramelized apples that have been cooked with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of nutmeg, this dessert delivers the cozy warmth of fall in every bite. To finish it off, the homemade whipped cream adds the perfect creamy touch, ensuring each bite is a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust

• 2 1/4 cups (302g) graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tbsp (39g) sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (112g) salted butter, melted

For the Cinnamon Cheesecake Filling

• 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (207g) sugar
• 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (173g) sour cream, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs, room temperature

For the Caramel Apple Topping

• 2 large apples, chopped
• 1/4 cup (56g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• Sprinkle of lemon juice
• 1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce

For the Cinnamon Whipped Cream

• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1/4 cup (29g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Make the Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
2. In a small bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Make the Cinnamon Cheesecake Filling

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
2. In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese, sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth and completely combined. This is crucial, as mixing on low helps prevent air bubbles that can cause cracks in the cheesecake.
3. Add the sour cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, mixing on low until fully incorporated.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
5. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it out evenly.
6. Bake the cheesecake for 30 minutes.
7. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door closed for 20 minutes. Then crack the oven door and leave the cheesecake for another 15 minutes. This gradual cooling process helps prevent cracks from forming on the surface.
8. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and place it in the fridge to cool completely, for about 3-4 hours.

Make the Caramel Apple Topping

1. While the cheesecake is cooling, prepare the caramel apple topping. Add the chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to a pan.
2. Stir until the apples are well coated in the sugar and spices.
3. Cook the apples on medium heat until they reach your desired tenderness, about 10 minutes.
4. Allow the apples to cool for a minute before spreading them evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
5. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the apples and cheesecake for that final touch of sweetness.

Make the Cinnamon Whipped Cream

1. To make the whipped cream, add the cold heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon to a mixing bowl.
2. Whip on high speed until stiff peaks form. This will only take a few minutes, so be sure to watch closely.
3. Serve the cheesecake bars with a generous dollop of the whipped cream.

Tips and Variations

• Choosing Apples: For the topping, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. These apples hold their shape when cooked and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the caramel.
• Make It Ahead: These cheesecake bars are perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the crust and filling, bake the cheesecake, and let it cool. Then, top with the apples and caramel before serving. The whipped cream can be made just before serving.
• Whipped Cream Variations: For an added twist, you could flavor the whipped cream with maple syrup or even a splash of bourbon for a more adult-friendly dessert.
• Canned Apples: If you’re short on time or fresh apples, you can substitute the fresh apples with canned apple pie filling. Just be sure to drain the syrup to avoid making the topping too runny.

Serving Suggestions

These cheesecake bars are perfect on their own, but for a truly indulgent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. They also pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or a cinnamon-spiced latte.

Conclusion

Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of caramelized apples and cinnamon, creating a dessert that is sure to impress at any gathering. The buttery graham cracker crust provides the perfect base, while the cinnamon cheesecake filling offers a smooth and tangy contrast to the sweet apple topping. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe allows you to make a dessert that feels luxurious without any complicated techniques. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or simply enjoying a sweet treat with family, these cheesecake bars are bound to be a favorite.