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Caramel Apple Bars

Category: Sweet Treats and Baked Delights

Apple Caramel Bars make a dreamy fall sweet treat. They have a creamy cheesecake foundation, tart apple pieces, a crisp streusel crumble on top, and a caramel sauce drizzle. The graham cracker base offers the perfect crunch, balancing the tanginess of apples and the rich sweetness of caramel. Awesome for sharing at parties, autumn dinners, or simply enjoying during cozy evenings!

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Mena
Updated on Thu, 01 May 2025 17:20:52 GMT
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Caramel Apple Bars | delishdocket.com

Apple Caramel Cheesecake Squares blend smooth cheesecake, tangy apples, and sweet caramel for an irresistible autumn sweet. They start with a crisp graham base, topped with velvety cheesecake, fresh apples, and a crumbly topping. The fruit gets a kick from spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a bright contrast to the gooey caramel topping. These squares will quickly become your go-to treat for family get-togethers or just because!

INGREDIENTS
  • Graham cracker crumbs: 2 cups (for the base)
  • Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted (for the base)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (for the base)
  • Cinnamon: 1/4 tsp (for the base)
  • Cream cheese: 16 oz, softened (for the filling)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (for the filling)
  • Eggs: 2 large (for the filling)
  • Vanilla extract: 1 tsp (for the filling)
  • Granny Smith apples: 3 medium, peeled and chopped (for the fruit mix)
  • Lemon juice: 2 tbsp (for the fruit mix)
  • Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (for the fruit mix)
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp (for the fruit mix)
  • Nutmeg: 1/4 tsp (for the fruit mix)
  • All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (for the crumble)
  • Brown sugar: 1/4 cup (for the crumble)
  • Unsalted butter: 1/4 cup, cold and diced (for the crumble)
  • Chopped pecans: 1/4 cup, optional (for the crumble)
  • Granulated sugar: 1 cup (for the caramel)
  • Water: 1/4 cup (for the caramel)
  • Heavy cream: 1/2 cup (for the caramel)
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (for the caramel)
  • Salt: 1/4 tsp (for the caramel)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 7:
To make caramel, heat sugar with water in a pot until it turns golden amber. Carefully add cream while stirring, then mix in butter and salt. Let it cool a bit before pouring over squares.
Step 6:
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the topping turns golden and the cheesecake feels firm. Allow to cool fully before slicing.
Step 5:
Create the crumbly topping by combining flour and brown sugar, then work in cold butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Add pecans if you want. Scatter over the apple mixture.
Step 4:
Mix the chopped apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this mix evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
Step 3:
Mix the soft cream cheese with sugar until it's fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and pour over the cooled base.
Step 2:
Combine graham crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for the base. Push this mix into your pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Step 1:
Heat your oven to 350°F and put parchment paper in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Serving and Storage Tips
  • Store any extras in a sealed container in the fridge and eat within 3 days.
  • These taste best when cold with warm caramel drizzled on top.
Helpful Notes
  • Chill the squares in the fridge for at least an hour to make cutting them easier.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

  • Try using salted caramel instead of plain for a more complex flavor on top of your squares.
Why Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Are the Perfect Fall Dessert

These squares really shine in autumn because they mix creamy cheesecake with tart apples and sweet caramel. The buttery crumble on top adds a nice crunch that makes every bite wonderful. They capture all the cozy fall flavors you love, making them perfect for holidays or just a special weekend treat.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can make them a day early and keep them in the fridge. Just add the caramel right before you serve them.

Can I freeze these bars?

Sure thing, you can freeze them after they've cooled completely. Wrap them up tight and they'll keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the fridge when you're ready to eat.

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Summary

Apple Caramel Bars are layered with creamy cheesecake, tart apple slices, homemade caramel sauce, a crispy streusel crumble, and a buttery graham cracker crust on the bottom. The tangy apples complement the velvety cheesecake while the caramel adds an indulgently sweet twist. Whether treating guests or savoring it on any cozy fall occasion, these bars are a crowd-pleaser!

Caramel Apple Bars

Tangy apples, sweet caramel, and creamy cheesecake come together in these irresistible dessert bars. Great for fall gatherings!

Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
50 min
Total Time
80 min
By: Mena

Category: Desserts & Baking

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (One 9x13-inch pan)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 2 cups of crushed graham crackers (crust layer).
02 ½ cup of melted unsalted butter (crust layer).
03 ¼ cup of white sugar (crust layer).
04 ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (crust layer).
05 16 oz of softened cream cheese (cheesecake layer).
06 ½ cup of white sugar (cheesecake layer).
07 2 eggs, large (cheesecake layer).
08 1 tsp of vanilla extract (cheesecake layer).
09 3 Granny Smith apples, diced and peeled (apple layer).
10 2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice (apple layer).
11 ¼ cup of light brown sugar (apple layer).
12 1 tsp of ground cinnamon (apple layer).
13 ¼ tsp of ground nutmeg (apple layer).
14 ½ cup of plain flour (streusel topping).
15 ¼ cup of light brown sugar (streusel topping).
16 ¼ cup of cold, cubed butter (streusel topping).
17 ¼ cup of chopped nuts like pecans (optional, streusel topping).
18 1 cup of white sugar (caramel sauce).
19 ¼ cup of water (caramel sauce).
20 ½ cup of heavy cream (caramel sauce).
21 2 tbsp of unsalted butter (caramel sauce).
22 ¼ tsp of salt (caramel sauce).

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13-inch pan with a sheet of parchment paper.

Step 02

Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Flatten the mix firmly into your pan's base, then pop it in the oven for 10 minutes.

Step 03

Whisk the cream cheese with sugar until it’s creamy. Add one egg after another, mixing in between. Stir in vanilla before pouring onto the cooled crust.

Step 04

Coat the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer evenly.

Step 05

Mix the flour and sugar for the topping. Add in cubed butter and work it into crumbs. Toss in pecans if using, then sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

Step 06

Place in oven to bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake feels set. Cool everything down completely.

Step 07

Stir sugar and water in a saucepan on medium heat until the sugar changes to a golden brown. Carefully mix in cream, then blend in butter and salt. Let it cool a little before using.

Step 08

Slice the chilled dessert into bars. Pour the slightly warm caramel sauce over the top and enjoy.

Notes

  1. These bars mix creamy cheesecake with tangy apple bits and a generous drizzle of caramel sauce—perfect for autumn!
  2. The crumbly topping adds a nice crunch, with the rich caramel giving it a luxurious touch.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes and don't replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 425
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbs: 57 g
  • Proteins: 5.5 g