Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the classic flavors of apple pie and creamy cheesecake in one delicious, easy-to-serve dessert. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake layer, spiced diced apples, crumbly streusel topping, and a luscious drizzle of salted caramel, these bars are perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings. They can be made ahead and taste even better chilled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 bars 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
For the Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Salted Caramel:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then mix until the batter is completely combined. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
- Make the Apple Layer: In a small bowl, toss the 2 diced medium apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg until the apples are fully coated. Gently spoon this apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, distributing evenly.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. Stir together until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is just set and the top is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set fully before cutting.
- Add Salted Caramel: Once chilled, drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce evenly over the top of the bars. Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon sea salt on the caramel drizzle to enhance the flavor. Slice the bars into 12 squares and serve.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance with sweetness.
- Softening the cream cheese to room temperature prevents lumps and ensures a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Do not overbake; the center should be just set to avoid dry cheesecake.
- Allow full chilling time before cutting to prevent the bars from falling apart.
- Drizzle caramel sparingly to avoid making the crust soggy.
- Line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal of bars.
- Warm caramel slightly before drizzling for a smoother spread.
- Chilling overnight results in cleaner cuts and deeper flavors.
Keywords: salted caramel, apple pie, cheesecake bars, dessert bars, fall dessert, streusel topping, caramel sauce, apple dessert
