Ready for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent? Meet Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars—the perfect marriage of creamy cheesecake, sweet-tart apples, and rich salted caramel. Picture this: a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky-smooth cheesecake layer, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a luscious salted caramel drizzle. It’s a decadent treat that’s guaranteed to impress. If you love the combination of sweet and salty (and who doesn’t?), you’re going to fall head over heels for these bars. They’re perfect for fall, but really, they’re a treat any time of year!
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Unbeatable Flavor Combo: The balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and salty flavors is absolute perfection in each bite.
- Easy to Make: Don’t let the deliciousness fool you—this dessert is surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these bars are perfect for any occasion.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep them ahead of time, which is always a bonus when you’re planning for a crowd or want to take a shortcut in the kitchen.
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Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: For the crust, providing a buttery, slightly sweet foundation.
- Butter: To bring that rich flavor to the crust and help bind everything together.
- Sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the cheesecake filling.
- Cream Cheese: A must for that creamy, smooth cheesecake layer.
- Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess to the cheesecake filling.
- Eggs: Essential for setting the cheesecake.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of warmth to the cheesecake filling.
- Apples: Fresh, crisp apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) that’ll add a fruity crunch and cinnamon sweetness.
- Brown Sugar: To help caramelize the apples and bring out their natural sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Classic fall flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Caramel Sauce: For that rich, gooey topping that takes these bars to the next level.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness of the caramel and balance the flavors.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Ready to make some seriously delicious bars? Here’s how:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking dish, making sure it’s spread evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
While the crust is baking, peel and chop your apples into small chunks. In a skillet over medium heat, combine the apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and become lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each egg is fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Then, spoon the apple mixture over the top of the cheesecake filling. Gently swirl the apples into the cheesecake layer using a knife or toothpick. This creates a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. The cheesecake will firm up as it cools. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
Step 6: Chill the Bars
Once the bars have cooled to room temperature, refrigerate them for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to allow them to set fully and become easier to slice.
Step 7: Drizzle with Salted Caramel
Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the bars and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for that perfect salty-sweet contrast.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Slice into squares, serve chilled, and watch these bars disappear as soon as they hit the table. The balance of sweet, salty, and creamy will have everyone coming back for more!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 190mg
Total Carbohydrate: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 24g
Protein: 5g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 4%
Calcium: 6%
Iron: 4%
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 3-4 hours (includes chilling time)
How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- For a Special Occasion: These bars are perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or any event that calls for a showstopping dessert.
- With Hot Drinks: Pair with a warm cup of coffee, apple cider, or a spiced latte for the ultimate cozy treat.
- Topped with Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream to make it even more decadent.
Additional Tips
- Make Ahead: These bars hold up beautifully in the fridge for a few days, so feel free to make them ahead of time.
- Customize the Apples: You can mix up the variety of apples depending on your taste preferences. A mix of tart and sweet apples works best for balance.
- Homemade Caramel: If you’re feeling extra ambitious, homemade caramel sauce is a great way to elevate these bars even further.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?
A1: Yes, you can use a different cookie crust, like crushed Oreos or shortbread, instead of graham cracker crumbs.
Q2: Can I make this dessert without the caramel topping?
A2: While the caramel adds a special touch, the bars are still delicious without it, so feel free to skip it if you prefer.
Q3: Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
A3: Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even berries would make a delicious substitution for the apples.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! If you want to make a larger batch, double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time might need a small adjustment.
Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A6: You can make the crust gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie crust.
Q7: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A7: Yes, store-bought caramel works just fine and saves you time, without compromising flavor.
Q8: Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?
A8: You can substitute lower-fat options, but the texture may be slightly different. The richness of full-fat cream cheese and sour cream gives the bars a creamier consistency.
Q9: Can I make these bars without eggs?
A9: Unfortunately, eggs are essential for setting the cheesecake, so I wouldn’t recommend skipping them.
Q10: How can I make these bars even more indulgent?
A10: Add a layer of chocolate ganache or a sprinkle of crushed toffee bits on top of the caramel drizzle for an even richer treat.
Conclusion
These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the dessert you didn’t know you needed! They’re the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and salty, and guaranteed to wow your guests. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky cheesecake filling, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a salty-sweet caramel drizzle, each bite is a little taste of heaven. Enjoy these bars for any occasion, or just because you deserve something amazing!
Print
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 9–12 bars (depending on how large you slice them) 1x
Description
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, combining a creamy, smooth cheesecake base with a spiced apple topping and finished off with a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce. These bars are the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and salty, with an irresistible flavor combination that makes them perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or just a cozy treat at home.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
For the Apple Topping:
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2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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1. Preheat the Oven:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust:
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In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and cinnamon.
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Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is well combined.
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Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour. Mix until the filling is smooth and well combined.
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Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust and spread it evenly.
4. Prepare the Apple Topping:
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In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
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Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture becomes syrupy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Assemble the Bars:
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Spoon the cooked apple topping over the cheesecake filling. Use a spoon to gently spread it out evenly on top of the cheesecake.
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Bake the cheesecake bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and slightly jiggles when shaken (it should not be liquid).
6. Make the Salted Caramel Sauce:
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While the cheesecake bars are baking, make the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the caramel thickens slightly.
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Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and vanilla extract. Let the sauce cool before drizzling it over the bars.
7. Cool and Slice:
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Once the cheesecake bars are done baking, allow them to cool in the pan for about 1 hour at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully set.
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Once chilled, slice into squares and drizzle with the salted caramel sauce before serving.
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Notes
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Apple Choices: For a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples.
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Make Ahead: These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. They taste even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
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Caramel Tips: If you want extra caramel flavor, double the caramel sauce recipe and serve it on the side for dipping!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg