Welcome to a truly enchanting dessert experience! These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are nothing short of magical, bringing together the comforting flavors of autumn in every decadent bite. From the rich, buttery crust to the velvety smooth cheesecake, the tender spiced apples, and the luscious caramel sauce topping, it’s genuinely challenging to pick a favorite layer. Each component contributes to a symphony of taste and texture that will leave you craving more. This recipe is destined to become a staple in your fall baking repertoire, perfect for any occasion, from cozy family gatherings to festive holiday celebrations.
If you’re an avid fan of the classic caramel apple combination, you might also love our Caramel Apple Monkey Bread for another delightful autumn treat!
The moment caramel apples grace the stores, a wave of excitement for all things Fall washes over me. It’s a signal that sweater weather, vibrant foliage, and the aroma of spiced baked goods are just around the corner. My short list of essential autumn activities includes invigorating apple picking excursions, navigating whimsical corn mazes, and selecting the perfect pumpkins for carving. These traditions are deeply ingrained in our family, marking the joyous transition into the coziest season of the year. The anticipation of crisp air and the bounty of the harvest truly make autumn a special time.
Our family is absolutely devoted to apples. My daughter and I share a love for simply enjoying apples as they are – fresh, crisp, and wonderfully juicy. However, my husband and son have a particular fondness for apples transformed into warm, comforting baked goods. My husband, for instance, considers apple pie his ultimate favorite dessert, a classic he could happily enjoy year-round. But if I were to choose, my heart would always lean towards the rich, creamy indulgence of cheesecake. So, how do we bridge this delicious divide and ensure everyone’s dessert desires are met without a culinary squabble? The answer, my friends, lies in these incredible Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
This recipe ingeniously marries the comforting, spiced essence of a traditional apple pie with the luxurious, tangy creaminess of a classic cheesecake. It’s a harmonious blend that satisfies both preferences, creating a truly irresistible dessert that’s greater than the sum of its parts. No more choosing between two beloved treats – with these bars, you get the best of both worlds, perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars truly represent the pinnacle of autumnal indulgence, a magnificent fusion of flavors and textures designed to delight every palate. They start with a robust, deeply flavorful brown sugar and oat crust, providing a wonderfully chewy and tender foundation. This delightful base is then generously topped with thinly sliced, tender apples, perfectly seasoned with aromatic spices that awaken the senses. Nestled above this fruity layer is a rich and creamy cheesecake, offering a smooth, tangy counterpoint that elevates the entire experience. But the magic doesn’t stop there! A luscious swirl of homemade apple butter is artfully dolloped over the cheesecake, adding an extra layer of fruity depth and a beautiful visual appeal. Finally, the bars are crowned with a golden, crunchy crumble topping, introducing a delightful textural contrast that completes this masterpiece. Indeed, these bars are a mouthful of pure joy, offering a complex yet comforting flavor profile that will have you reaching for a second, or even a third, helping.
I must confess, the inspiration for this particular recipe came from a magazine. The moment my eyes landed on the accompanying photograph, I knew instantly that I had to recreate these delectable bars for my family. The image alone promised an unforgettable dessert, and I was eager to bring that promise to life in my own kitchen. After the initial batch, and after each of us had indulged in a few (or perhaps more than a few) bars, I playfully insisted that my husband take the remaining pan to work. It was a necessary intervention, as I knew with absolute certainty that if they stayed in the house, the entire pan would vanish far too quickly. Their irresistible nature makes them a danger to any dessert-lover’s self-control!
For these exquisite Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, I proudly used Imperial Brown Sugar and White Sugar. Imperial Sugar is a wonderful sponsor of ours, and their commitment to quality truly shines through in every bake. Using premium ingredients makes a noticeable difference, contributing to the perfect texture and flavor profile of these bars. High-quality sugar ensures consistent results, from the golden-brown crust to the perfectly sweetened cheesecake layer.
And speaking of game-changers, can I just express my absolute astonishment? Have I genuinely been living under a rock, never before encountering a resealable brown sugar bag?! This discovery was nothing short of revolutionary for my baking routine. Imperial, you are truly genius! The convenience of a resealable bag keeps brown sugar soft and fresh, eliminating those frustrating, rock-hard clumps that we’ve all battled in the past. It’s a small innovation that makes a huge impact in the kitchen, simplifying storage and ensuring your ingredients are always ready when inspiration strikes. This kind of thoughtful detail is what sets exceptional brands apart.
Every single layer of these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars is a testament to deliciousness, each one building upon the last to create an unforgettable dessert experience. The crust offers a delightful dichotomy: it’s perfectly tender, crumbling gently with each bite, yet also wonderfully chewy, providing a satisfying foundation. The apples are baked to tender perfection, bursting with the warm, aromatic embrace of spices that evoke the very essence of autumn. The cheesecake layer is an exercise in silky smoothness, melting in your mouth with its rich, creamy texture and subtle tang. The apple butter swirl introduces a creamy, fruity depth that complements the cheesecake beautifully, adding another dimension of flavor. And the crumble topping? It’s not just an option; it’s an absolute must. Its irresistible crunch provides the perfect textural contrast, bringing the entire bar together in a harmonious symphony of taste and sensation. Each bite is a journey through layers of pure bliss.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: The Ultimate Mashup of Apple Pie and Cheesecake in One Irresistible Treat!
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep
Cook
Inactive
Total
Author Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Yield 18 servings
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are simply magical. From the buttery crust, the silky cheesecake and the caramel sauce topping, it’s hard to choose a favorite layer!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 3½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¾ cups firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup pecans, chopped
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, melted
Filling:
- 6 cups apples, thinly sliced (about 3 large)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, divided
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1¼ cups apple butter
- Prepared caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 13 x 9″ pan with cooking spray and dust with flour. Set aside.
- Into a large bowl combine flour, brown sugar, oats, pecans, baking powder and salt. Pour in melted butter and stir until pea sized crumbs form. Reserve 2 cups of oat mixture. Press remaining mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake until golden brown about 15-18 minutes. Allow to cool completely.
- Place thinly sliced apples, 1 tablespoon of flour, apple pie spice, cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Toss to combine and set aside.
- Into the bowl of your stand mixer or a large bowl, beat together cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, vanilla. Add in eggs one at a time. Beat until just combined.
- Top cooled crust with apple mixture and gently pour cream cheese mixture on top.
- Dollop top of cream cheese with apple butter and using a toothpick, gently, swirl to combine.
- Top with reserved crumble mixture and bake in oven for 40 to 45 minutes until cheesecake layer is just set. Cool completely for 8 hours.*
- When bars are completely cooled, remove from pan, cut into bars and top with prepared caramel sauce.
*I wanted these bars to cool quickly, so I placed them into the freezer for 3 hours and they came out perfectly.
Notes
Recipe slightly adapted from Taste of South, Caramel Apple Bars
Courses Dessert
Cuisine American
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 18 servings
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 465 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Total Fat 22 g | 34% | |
Saturated Fat 12 g | 60% | |
Cholesterol 72 mg | 24% | |
Sodium 181 mg | 8% | |
Total Carbohydrates 61 g | 20% | |
Dietary Fiber 3 g | 12% | |
Sugars 35 g | ||
Protein 6 g | 12% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
If you choose to bake only one dessert this fall season, please, pretty please, let it be these incredible Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. They are more than just a recipe; they are an experience, a celebration of autumn’s finest flavors, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will earn you rave reviews. Their unique combination of textures and tastes makes them an ideal centerpiece for any holiday table, a cozy treat for a chilly evening, or a delightful surprise for friends and family.
Furthermore, don’t forget to explore the other fantastic #Appleweek posts from me, where we delve deeper into the versatility of apples in both sweet and savory dishes. Apples are truly a star ingredient, and these recipes showcase their incredible range:
- Apple Cinnamon Scones: Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon tea, these scones are bursting with warm apple and cinnamon flavors, elevated by a delectable maple butter.
- One Pan Pork Chops with Apples and Cinnamon: A simple yet elegant dinner solution that brings together savory pork with sweet, spiced apples for a comforting meal.
- Apple and Plum Crumble: A delightful twist on a classic crumble, combining the tartness of plums with the sweetness of apples under a golden, crunchy topping.
- Apple, Bacon and Caramelized Onion Pizza: An unexpectedly delicious savory pizza that expertly balances sweet, salty, and savory notes for a unique culinary experience.
- Stuffed Apples with Cheddar and Sausage: A hearty and flavorful dish that reimagines apples as a vessel for a savory, cheesy, and meaty filling, ideal for a comforting lunch or light dinner.
These recipes highlight the incredible range of apples, proving they’re not just for pies and crumbles, but can truly shine in diverse culinary creations. Be sure to check them out for more delicious apple-inspired ideas!
Wednesday Recipes: A Festival of Apple Creations from Fellow Bloggers!
As part of our grand #Appleweek celebration, many talented bloggers have shared their incredible apple-inspired recipes. Dive into this diverse collection and discover new ways to enjoy the season’s favorite fruit:
- Apple & Red Cabbage Slow-Cooker Sauerkraut by Faith, Hope, Love & Luck
- Apple Butter-Glazed Chicken Wings by Culinary Adventures With Camilla
- Apple Cherry Jam Cookies by The Monday Box
- Apple Cinnamon Cake by Girl Abroad
- Cheddar Chicken Tacos with Apple Salsa by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Apple Cider Donuts by House of Nash Eats
- Apple Cider Mules by The Redhead Baker
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Muffins by The Bitter Side of Sweet
- Apple Fritters by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Apple Maple Breakfast Sausage by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Apple Oatmeal Muffins by Books n’ Cooks
- Apple Pandowdy by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Apple Pecan Chicken Salad by Cookaholic Wife
- Apple Spice Poke Cake by Jonesin’ for Taste
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts by Everyday Eileen
- Baked Cinnamon Apples by The Anthony Kitchen
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip by Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
- Caramel Apple Pie Party Mix by Lemon Blossoms
- Chicken with Apple, Onion, and Cider Sauce by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Cinnamon Apple Fritters by The Freshman Cook
- Chipotle Turkey, Apple, & Sweet Potato Chili by Savory Moments
- Harvest Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Love and Confections
- Herby Ginger Apple Compote by Amy’s Cooking Adventures
- Individual Skillet Apple Pies by Family Around the Table
- Instant Pot Quick Oats with Apples, Walnuts and Honey by 4 Sons R Us
- Japanese Beef Curry (Kare Raisu) by Palatable Pastime
- Kielbasa, Apple, Bacon, Sweet Potato Skillet Meal by Tip Garden
- Mini Apple Crisp Baked Apples by Cooking With Carlee
- New England Apple Cake by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Salted Caramel Apple Cinnamon Turnovers by Daily Dish Recipes
- Slow Cooker Chai Apple Butter by Mildly Meandering
- Spiked Mulled Apple Cider by Caroline’s Cooking
- Stuffed Apples with Homemade Sausage and Rice by Our Good Life
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Disclaimer: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous AppleWeek Sponsors – Swiss Diamond, Nordic Ware, Envy Apples, Imperial Sugar, The Spice House, Rodelle Vanilla, Flahavan’s Irish Oats, and Nairn’s – for providing the wonderful prizes free of charge. These esteemed companies also graciously supplied our bloggers with samples and products essential for crafting their delightful AppleWeek recipes. Please note that all opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. The AppleWeek giveaway is open exclusively to U.S. residents aged 18 & up. All entries submitted by the potential winner will undergo thorough checking and verification. By participating in this giveaway, entrants grant the right to use their name and likeness in promotional materials. The chances of winning are determined by the total number of eligible entries received. Seven (7) distinct winners will be randomly selected. The prize packages will be dispatched directly from the respective giveaway sponsors. The AppleWeek Bloggers bear no responsibility for the fulfillment or timely delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway, along with their immediate family members residing in their household, are ineligible to enter or win the giveaway. No purchase is necessary to enter. This promotion is void where prohibited by law. Furthermore, this promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social media platform mentioned within the AppleWeek posts or entry mechanisms.