Indulge in the ultimate autumnal dessert experience with these truly irresistible Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. This decadent treat perfectly marries a rich, buttery biscuit crust with a luscious layer of creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and a crisp, golden crumble topping, all finished with a generous drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures that will captivate your senses and leave you craving more.
When the crisp autumn air arrives, and thoughts turn to cozy gatherings and comforting flavors, apple recipes naturally rise to the top of our culinary desires. There are few pairings more universally loved than the classic combination of sweet apples, warming seasonal spices, and rich caramel. These flavors evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making them perfect for any fall celebration or simply a delightful evening in.
Our divine apple cheesecake bars begin with a simple yet incredibly flavorful digestive biscuit crust. This crumbly foundation provides the perfect textural contrast to the smooth filling. It’s then layered with a velvety smooth, full-fat cheesecake filling that’s subtly sweet and creamy. Next comes a vibrant layer of crisp apples, tenderly flavored with an aromatic blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, ensuring that the fruit’s natural sweetness and tartness truly shine. The final flourish is a golden streusel crumble topping, baked until perfectly crunchy, and then drizzled generously with a golden caramel sauce, creating an unbeatable, fall-inspired dessert that’s sure to impress.
You can think of this recipe for caramel apple cheesecake bars as a delightful fusion – a best-of-both-worlds dessert that combines the rustic charm of an Easy Apple Cake or a classic Apple Pie with the sophisticated creaminess of a traditional cheesecake. It’s an elevated yet approachable dessert that offers complex flavors without complicated steps, making it a fantastic addition to your autumn baking repertoire.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Crafting these delectable caramel apple cheesecake bars relies on a few fundamental ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. While the components are basic, understanding their purpose and potential substitutes will ensure your bars turn out perfectly every time. Pay close attention to the notes below for optimal results and flexible alternatives.
For the Buttery Biscuit Base
- Digestive-style biscuits: These classic, mildly sweet tea biscuits are the ideal choice for creating the foundation of our bars. Their subtle buttery flavor provides a perfect backdrop, complementing the other layers without overpowering them. For an alternative, graham cracker crumbs are an excellent substitute, offering a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- Unsalted butter: Melted unsalted butter is essential. It acts as the binding agent, transforming the biscuit crumbs into a cohesive, sturdy crust that holds its shape beautifully once chilled and baked.
For the Creamy Cheesecake Filling
- Full-fat cream cheese: The star of the show! Brands like Philadelphia are highly recommended for their rich, smooth texture and superior flavor. It’s crucial not to opt for low-fat versions, as they contain more water and less fat, which can compromise the creamy consistency and overall taste of the cheesecake. Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a lump-free, silky smooth filling.
- Granulated or fine caster sugar: This adds the necessary sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese and the tartness of the apples. Powdered sugar (icing sugar) can also be used for an even smoother texture.
- Large eggs: Eggs provide structure, richness, and help the cheesecake set beautifully. Using eggs at room temperature is key for a well-emulsified, voluminous, and uniform cheesecake batter.
- Vanilla extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a warm, aromatic depth to the creamy filling.
For the Spiced Apple Layer
- Granny Smith apples: These apples are a fantastic choice due to their firm texture and distinct tartness. Their slightly sharp flavor beautifully cuts through the richness of the cheesecake and caramel, creating a balanced and refreshing element. Other varieties that are slightly tart and hold their shape well during baking, like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, will also work splendidly.
- Warming spices (ground cinnamon and nutmeg): This classic autumn spice duo creates that comforting, delicious seasonal aroma and flavor. Feel free to adjust the quantities or add a pinch of allspice or ginger for a personalized touch.
- White sugar: A small amount of sugar is added to the apples not just for sweetness, but also to help them soften slightly and release some of their natural juices, which meld wonderfully with the spices. Light brown sugar can be used for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Lemon zest: An optional but highly recommended ingredient. A hint of fresh lemon zest brightens and lifts the entire apple flavor, adding a subtle citrusy note that truly makes the spices sing.
For the Golden Crumble Topping & Caramel Drizzle
- All-purpose flour (plain flour): This forms the base of our crumble, ensuring a crisp and light topping. If you only have self-raising flour on hand, it can be used, but note that the crumble might be slightly softer.
- Sugars (Demerara and granulated): I love using a combination of demerara sugar and white granulated sugar in the crumble. Demerara sugar provides an incredible crunch and a subtle, almost toasted caramel flavor, while granulated sugar ensures even sweetness. Light brown sugar is also a fantastic option for a chewier, richer streusel topping.
- Chilled and diced unsalted butter: This is absolutely crucial for a successful crumble. Using cold butter ensures that the fat doesn’t fully incorporate into the flour mixture, creating pockets that steam during baking and result in a wonderfully crisp, crumbly texture. Room temperature butter will lead to a greasy, flat topping.
- Extra ground cinnamon: A half teaspoon of ground cinnamon in the crumble topping further elevates the aromatic profile, harmonizing with the spiced apples below.
- Caramel sauce: The grand finale! Whether you opt for a luscious homemade caramel sauce or a high-quality store-bought caramel topping, this golden drizzle is non-negotiable for that signature sweet and sticky finish on your apple caramel cheesecake bars.
Baking Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful apple cheesecake crumble bars with caramel might seem like a multi-step process, but it’s actually quite straightforward when broken down. The recipe involves four main components: preparing the buttery crust, mixing the creamy cheesecake filling, infusing the apples with warming spices, and finally, assembling the crisp crumble topping. Each part comes together quickly, making the entire baking process enjoyable and manageable.
For added convenience, both the biscuit crust and the crumble topping can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. This allows for easy assembly on baking day, saving you valuable time and effort, especially if you’re planning for a special occasion.
💭Top tip: For effortless removal and neat slices, generously line your baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring ample overhang on all sides. Once the cheesecake bars have baked and cooled completely, use this overhang to gently lift the entire cheesecake slab from the tin before slicing.
First, prepare the crust by pressing the mixture of biscuit crumbs and melted butter firmly into your lined baking pan. Ensure an even and compact layer. Transfer the pan to the fridge to chill thoroughly while you prepare the other layers.
Next, prepare the creamy cheesecake filling. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with the sugar, salt, and vanilla until it’s wonderfully smooth and aerated. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition to prevent overmixing.
Now, prepare the star of the show: the spiced apples. In a separate bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and chopped apples with sugar, fresh lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir gently to ensure all apple pieces are evenly coated. Allow this mixture to sit for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Retrieve the chilled baking pan with the biscuit base from the fridge. Carefully pour the smooth cheesecake batter evenly over the prepared crust. Gently tap the baking dish against your kitchen counter a few times. This simple step helps to release any trapped air bubbles, ensuring a perfectly smooth and crack-free cheesecake layer.
Once the cheesecake layer is smoothed, evenly distribute the prepared spiced apples over the top. Make sure the apples cover the cheesecake layer in a single, consistent layer, ensuring every slice gets a delightful apple-spice burst.
Finally, generously scatter the crumble topping evenly over the spiced apples. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the crumble topping is beautifully golden brown and the cheesecake filling appears set with only a slight jiggle in the very center. Let it cool completely before chilling.
💭Top tip: For impeccably clean and neat slices, use a large, sharp knife. After each cut, wipe the knife blade clean with a damp cloth or paper towel. This prevents crumbly bits and sticky caramel from transferring to the next slice, ensuring every bar looks as good as it tastes!
When you’re ready to serve these delightful caramel apple cheesecake bars, take them out of the fridge, slice them into individual portions, and then generously drizzle with your preferred caramel sauce. This ensures the caramel is soft and flowing, adding that final touch of indulgence.
Creative Variations to Elevate Your Cheesecake Bars
While these caramel apple cheesecake bars are exquisite as is, they also lend themselves beautifully to creative variations. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to customize them to your taste or to explore new flavor combinations.
- Biscuit Crust Alternatives: Don’t limit yourself to digestive biscuits! The base layer is incredibly versatile. For a spiced twist, try ginger biscuits. For a nutty, buttery flavor, consider a shortbread crust. And of course, the classic graham cracker crust is always a winner. You could even use Biscoff biscuits for a unique spiced caramel flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
- Double Caramel Cheesecake Filling: For an extra decadent caramel experience, gently swirl 2-3 tablespoons of prepared caramel sauce directly into the cheesecake filling before pouring it over the crust. This creates beautiful caramel ribbons throughout the creamy layer, adding a luscious depth of flavor.
- Spice and Fruit Explorations:
- Ginger Zest: Introduce ½ teaspoon of ground ginger to either the chopped apples or the cheesecake filling for an added layer of warmth and a subtle spicy kick that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Mixed Spice Blend: Experiment with your favorite autumnal spice blends. A pinch of allspice or cardamom could add an intriguing complexity.
- Apple and Pear Medley: For a delightful textural and flavor contrast, swap half of the apples for firm, ripe pears. The slight sweetness and softer texture of pears will create an even richer fruit layer.
- Beyond the Bar: If you adore the combination of caramel and apple, consider trying other delightful treats. Why not give this irresistible Caramel Apple Crack recipe a try for another addictive dessert?
Essential Equipment for Baking Success
To successfully bake these stunning apple cream cheese bars, having the right equipment can make all the difference. You won’t need anything overly specialized, just a few kitchen staples to ensure a smooth baking process and perfect results.
- 8×8-inch baking pan: This size is ideal for achieving the perfect thickness for your cheesecake bars. If you don’t have a metal baking pan, a ceramic baking dish or a Pyrex-style glass dish of similar dimensions (e.g., approximately 20×20 cm) will also work effectively.
- Parchment paper (baking paper): Absolutely essential for easy removal of the baked bars. Make sure to use enough to create an overhang.
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few various sizes for preparing the crust, cheesecake filling, and spiced apples separately.
- Food processor or rolling pin: For crushing the biscuits into fine crumbs for the crust.
- Hand-held electric mixer or stand mixer: With a paddle attachment, this will make light work of beating the cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Sharp knife: Crucial for clean, precise cuts when serving your chilled cheesecake bars.
If you prefer a round dessert, an 8-inch springform pan or a loose-bottom baking tin will also work well. Just ensure it is deep enough, at least 3.5 centimeters or 1.4 inches deep, to accommodate all the delicious layers.
Storing Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and deliciousness of your caramel apple cheesecake bars. Whether you plan to enjoy them over a few days or save some for a later treat, these guidelines will help ensure they remain perfect.
- Refrigeration: Baked caramel apple cheesecake bars should always be stored in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container to protect them from absorbing any unwanted odors from other foods in your refrigerator. When stored correctly, they will remain fresh and delightful for up to 4 days. For the best flavor and texture, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving, and then drizzle with caramel sauce.
- Freezing: These cheesecake bars are also excellent for freezing, allowing you to enjoy them long after they’re baked. Wrap individual bars or the entire slab (without the caramel drizzle) tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply transfer them to the fridge overnight. Once thawed, bring to room temperature and add the caramel drizzle just before serving.
Pro Tips for Cheesecake Perfection
Achieving bakery-quality caramel apple cheesecake bars is easier than you think with a few expert tips:
- Firm Crust Foundation: When making the biscuit crust, ensure you press the mixture firmly and evenly into the baking dish. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to compact the crumbs. This creates a sturdy, uniform base that won’t crumble when sliced.
- Patience is a Virtue (Chilling!): After baking, allow your cheesecake to cool completely on the kitchen counter at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. The chilling process is critical for the cheesecake to fully set and achieve its perfect creamy texture. Aim for at least a couple of hours, but ideally, chill it overnight for the best results.
- Caramel Drizzle Timing: Always add the luscious caramel drizzle right before serving your cheesecake bars. Caramel sauce tends to harden when exposed to cold temperatures in the fridge, making it less appealing. Drizzling it fresh ensures a soft, flowing, and visually appealing finish.
- Clean Cuts: For professional-looking slices, use a large, sharp knife. To prevent the layers from sticking and ensure a clean cut every time, wipe the knife blade clean with a damp cloth or paper towel after each slice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Making these caramel apple cheesecake bars gluten-free is quite simple. You’ll need to use gluten-free digestive biscuits (or graham crackers) for the crust. For the crumble topping, ensure you use a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Always check the labels of all your ingredients to confirm they are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
The baking time for these bars is typically around 45-50 minutes in a fan-assisted oven at 160°C (320°F). You’ll know they’re perfectly baked when the crumble topping has turned a beautiful golden brown, and the cheesecake filling appears mostly set. There should still be a slight, gentle jiggle in the very center of the cheesecake when you lightly shake the pan. This indicates it’s cooked through but will continue to set as it cools.
Several factors can lead to a runny cheesecake layer. First, ensure you meticulously follow the recipe instructions and do not alter the quantities of ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs. Baking temperature is also crucial; if your oven runs too cool or the cheesecake wasn’t baked for the full recommended time, it might not set properly. Lastly, inadequate chilling time is a common culprit. Even if baked perfectly, cheesecake needs at least 2-3 hours (ideally overnight) in the fridge to firm up completely. Always ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before mixing, as this helps create a smooth, consistent batter that bakes evenly.
Explore More Delicious Apple Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of apple, cinnamon, and caramel, you’re in for a treat! Discover more delightful ways to enjoy this beloved autumn fruit with our collection of delicious apple recipes, perfect for any occasion.
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Equipment
- 8 x 8-inch baking tin
- baking paper
- hand-held electric mixer or freestanding mixer with the paddle attachment
- mixing bowls
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 180 g digestive biscuits
- 70 g unsalted butter melted
For the cheesecake:
- 320 g full-fat cream cheese room temperature
- 120 g granulated sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs room temperature
For the apple layer:
- 300 g granny smith apples peeled, cored and chopped to medium cubes
- 20 g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
For the crumble topping:
- 100 g unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- 125 g plain flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 70 g demerara sugar
- 40 g granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan-assisted). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it generously with parchment paper, ensuring there is plenty of overhang on all sides. Set aside for later use.
To make the crust:
- Blitz the digestive biscuits in a food processor until you have fine, uniform crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a food bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Stir in the melted unsalted butter until the mixture resembles damp sand. Tip this mixture into the prepared baking tin and firmly press it into the base using the back of a spoon or the bottom of a cup to create a smooth and even layer. Chill the crust in the fridge until it’s needed.180 g digestive biscuits, 70 g unsalted butter
To make the cheesecake:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer (or using a hand mixer), beat the room-temperature full-fat cream cheese until it is smooth and light. Add the granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Incorporate the large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition but avoiding overmixing. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl as necessary to ensure a uniform batter.320 g full-fat cream cheese, 120 g granulated sugar, ½ tsp salt, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 2 large eggs
- Remove the baking pan with the chilled crust from the fridge. Carefully pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the chilled biscuit base. Gently tap the baking tin against a sturdy counter surface a few times to release any air bubbles, ensuring a smooth top.
To make spiced apples:
- Place the peeled, cored, and chopped granny smith apples into a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, lemon zest, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir thoroughly to ensure all apple pieces are well coated with the spices. Set aside for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the apples to slightly soften.300 g granny smith apples, 20 g granulated sugar, 1 tsp lemon zest, ¾ tsp ground cinnamon, ½ tsp ground nutmeg
To make crumble topping:
- In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the chilled and cubed unsalted butter with the plain flour, ground cinnamon, demerara sugar, and granulated sugar. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse breadcrumbs and has a sandy texture.100 g unsalted butter, 125 g plain flour, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, 70 g demerara sugar, 40 g granulated sugar
- Evenly spread the spiced apples over the cheesecake layer in the baking pan. Then, generously sprinkle the prepared crumble topping in an even layer over the apples, covering them completely.
- Carefully place the baking pan into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The bars are ready when the crumble is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set with a slight jiggle in the center. Remove from the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool completely on a wire rack on your kitchen counter. Once cooled, transfer it to the fridge for at least 3 hours, or ideally, overnight, to allow it to set fully.
- Once thoroughly chilled, remove the cheesecake from the fridge. Use the overhanging parchment paper to gently lift the entire cheesecake slab from the baking tin. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce, slice into individual bars, and savor every delicious bite!3 tbsp caramel sauce
Please note that all my recipes are developed and tested in metric grams. I recommend that you use digital scales for more accurate results. I have provided a conversion to US customary in the recipe but please note that I haven’t tested using this method.
Notes
To freeze: Baked and cooled cheesecake bars can be frozen for up to 2 months (without caramel drizzle). Thaw them in the fridge overnight, and bring to room temperature before serving.
Make ahead: The biscuit crust can be prepared 1-2 days ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to use.
Crumble topping can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Crumble topping also freezes well for up to 3 months. It doesn’t require defrosting and can be used straight from the freezer, as per the recipe instructions.
Top tips:
- Press the biscuit base firmly into the baking tin to create a sturdy base. Use a measuring cup or a flat-based object like a glass or a mug to press the crumbs into the tin.
- Allow the cheesecake bars to chill and set properly in the fridge.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce right before serving. Placing caramel in the fridge will harden it, so it’s best to add it just before serving.
- For a clean cut, use a large sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut.