Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12-14 full crackers); 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; Pinch fine salt; 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (~4 cups); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water (optional); 24 oz (3 packages) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1/2 cup sour cream or 1/3 cup heavy cream + 2 tablespoons sour cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; Pinch of salt; 3/4–1 cup salted caramel sauce, warm; Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)

Description

Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a graham-cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and a drizzle of caramel.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12–14 full crackers)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch fine salt
3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (~4 cups)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water (optional)
24 oz (3 packages) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream or 1/3 cup heavy cream + 2 tablespoons sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cornstarch
Pinch of salt
3/4–1 cup salted caramel sauce, warm
Flaky sea salt for finishing (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, salt, and melted butter. Press into the pan and par-bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool slightly.
Cook apples in a skillet with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice for 3–4 minutes until slightly translucent. Add cornstarch slurry if needed.
Make cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar, cornstarch, and eggs one at a time. Lastly, fold in sour cream and vanilla.
Spread cheesecake filling over the crust, then arrange the cooked apples on top. Spoon warm caramel over and swirl gently.
Bake for 40–50 minutes until the center jiggles slightly. Cool to room temperature and chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.
Finish with extra caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

Tip: For clean slices, run a knife under hot water before cutting.

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 380
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cheesecake, caramel, apples, dessert, fall recipes