If you adore the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake paired with the cozy flavors of autumn, you are in for a real treat with this Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars blend a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, and sweet sautéed apples, all crowned with a luscious salted caramel drizzle. It feels like capturing the warmth of a homemade apple pie and the elegance of cheesecake in every bite, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and irresistible. Whether it’s a special occasion or a cozy weekend craving, these bars deliver a burst of flavor and texture that will have you reaching for seconds—don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a breeze because each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the crunchy crust to the creamy filling and the gooey caramel, none of these need to be fancy to shine in the final dessert.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The crunchy base that gives a subtle sweetness and holds everything together.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both crust and filling without overpowering.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a touch of spice that complements the apples.
- Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture in the crust and caramel sauce.
- Cream cheese: The star of the filling, creating that silky, dreamy texture.
- Eggs: Help bind the cheesecake filling and give it structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the creaminess and blends the flavors beautifully.
- Sour cream: Brings tang and smoothness to the cheesecake layer.
- All-purpose flour: Stabilizes the filling for perfect slices.
- Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Tart or sweet, these diced gems add fresh, tender chunks of fruit.
- Brown sugar: Sweetens and deepens flavor, essential in the apple topping and caramel.
- Ground nutmeg: A little spice magic that enhances the apple mixture.
- Lemon juice: Balances the sweetness and keeps the apples vibrant.
- Heavy cream: Creates the rich, silky caramel sauce.
- Sea salt: A sprinkle of salt for that perfect salted caramel finish.
How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in the melted butter until everything is evenly coated and crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8-inch pan lined with parchment paper for easy removal. Bake for 10 minutes, which helps the crust set perfectly to support the cheesecake without getting soggy.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust cools slightly, blend your softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each to keep the mixture light. Then fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour for a luscious smoothness and stability. Pour this silky filling over the crust and spread evenly—this velvety layer is what makes these bars truly decadent.
Step 3: Cook the Apple Topping
In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add diced apples. Sauté them for a few minutes until they start to soften, releasing their natural juices. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of lemon juice, cooking until the mixture is tender and syrupy. This topping will add a burst of fruity spiced goodness to the cheesecake base.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Spoon the warm apple topping evenly over the cheesecake filling, gently spreading without mixing it in. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes until the center just jiggles slightly but is not liquid to ensure a creamy but set filling. Once done, cool the bars in the pan for about an hour before chilling in the refrigerator for at least four hours or, better yet, overnight.
Step 5: Prepare the Salted Caramel Sauce
While the bars chill, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for a few minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and whisk in sea salt and vanilla extract. Let the salted caramel sauce cool and thicken before drizzling generously over the cheesecake bars just before serving.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and flavor, consider sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the salted caramel drizzle. A pinch of flaky sea salt can highlight the caramel’s richness beautifully. For a pop of freshness, a small sprig of rosemary or a dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch that invites guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
Though these bars are dessert gold on their own, serving them with lightly whipped cinnamon cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream turns them into a dream. A warm cup of spiced cider or a smooth coffee pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness and rounding out the cozy experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars on a rustic wooden board for a charming autumn feel, or stack two bars with a layer of caramel sauce in between for a playful mini dessert sandwich. For parties, cut them into bite-sized squares and serve with toothpicks for easy nibbling; they’re guaranteed crowd-pleasers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The chilling time actually helps the flavors deepen, making the bars even more delicious the next day. Just make sure to drizzle fresh caramel sauce if the original gets absorbed or thickens.
Freezing
If you want to stash these bars for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator to preserve their creamy texture. A quick re-drizzle with caramel sauce after thawing revives them perfectly.
Reheating
Because these bars are best served chilled, reheating isn’t necessary. But if you prefer them slightly warmer, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or let it sit at room temperature while you prepare coffee or tea. The caramel sauce will soften delightfully without melting the cheesecake layer.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for the recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their balance of tartness and sweetness, but Fuji, Pink Lady, or Braeburn apples also work well. Just make sure to use firm apples that hold their shape when sautéed.
Is it necessary to use sour cream in the cheesecake filling?
Sour cream adds a lovely tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness, improving texture and flavor. However, if you don’t have it, you can substitute with Greek yogurt or just omit it, though the texture might be slightly different.
How do I get a perfectly smooth cheesecake filling?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before beating and mix slowly to avoid incorporating too much air. Beating eggs in one at a time ensures an even, smooth filling without lumps.
Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salted caramel sauce a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge and gently warm before drizzling over the cheesecake bars to restore its pourable consistency.
What pan size is best for these bars?
An 8×8-inch baking pan works perfectly to create bars with a good thickness and balance of crust, filling, and topping. Using a different size will alter the thickness, so adjust baking time accordingly if you choose another pan.
Final Thoughts
This Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe is one of those truly memorable treats that brings comfort and celebration all in one bite. Its blend of creamy cheesecake, warm spiced apples, and rich salted caramel will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection. If you’re looking for a dessert to impress family or simply to indulge your own sweet tooth, give this a try—you’re going to love every luscious bite, I promise!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes plus 4 hours chilling
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon-spiced sautéed apples, and a luscious homemade salted caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced with hints of vanilla and warm spices, these bars combine rich textures and flavors into a delightful dessert that’s ideal for fall or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salted Caramel Sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure the bars can be removed easily after baking.
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Bake the Crust: Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly to set.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour, mixing thoroughly until smooth.
- Assemble Base Layer: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly using a spatula.
- Cook the Apple Topping: In a medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the apples are tender and the mixture is syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Add Apple Topping: Spoon the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling and gently spread with a spoon.
- Bake the Cheesecake Bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. The center should be set but slightly jiggle when shaken, indicating it is properly baked but still moist.
- Prepare Salted Caramel Sauce: While the bars bake, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in sea salt and vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool to thicken and develop flavor.
- Cool and Chill: Once baked, allow the cheesecake bars to cool in the pan at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set the texture.
- Serve: Slice the chilled cheesecake into bars. Drizzle generously with the cooled salted caramel sauce before serving for a decadent finishing touch.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor or Honeycrisp for a sweeter profile.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake bars; the center should still have a slight jiggle to avoid dryness.
- For easier slicing, chill bars overnight and warm caramel sauce slightly if it thickens too much.
- Line pan with parchment paper extending over edges to remove bars easily.
