It’s just about impossible to resist these incredible apple cheesecake caramel bars. They take the best of rich cheesecake, spiced apple pie, and a tender, buttery crust and combine them into one perfect bite. I’ve been making them for years and they are a home run every single time.
What makes this recipe a personal favorite is how it takes familiar ingredients and makes something truly special. The simple cake mix crust is a brilliant shortcut, and the gooey, spiced apple layer balances the creamy cheesecake wonderfully. The final drizzle of caramel brings it all together, creating a dessert that looks and tastes like a labor of love, but is actually quite simple to put together.
Ingredients
Crust Ingredients
- 1 box white cake mix dry
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- Cheesecake Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Mixture
- 3 cups diced apples peeled, cored and finely diced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- additional caramel sauce for drizzle on top
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Caramel Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Making the crust is the first step, and it’s so easy. A box of dry white cake mix is the key to a consistently great texture. To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave a little overhang to create “handles” for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, combine the cake mix with a half cup of melted unsalted butter. Mix until it forms a crumbly dough, then press it evenly into the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
This layer is what gives the bars their luxurious quality. For a flawlessly smooth cheesecake, your cream cheese must be at room temperature. Beat it in a large bowl until smooth, then gradually mix in the can of sweetened condensed milk. Once that’s combined, mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Pour this silky batter over the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping
For the classic fall flavor, toss your finely diced apples in a separate bowl with the brown sugar, a quarter-cup of caramel sauce, flour, and cinnamon. The flour is important because it thickens the juices released by the apples as they bake, preventing a watery topping. It’s a small trick that makes a big difference in the final result.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Bars
Now for the final assembly. Evenly scatter the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. You’ll want to cool them completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours. This chilling step is essential for clean slices and fully developed flavors.
Step 5: Drizzle with Caramel
The final touch is, of course, the caramel drizzle. Just before you’re ready to serve, take the chilled bars and drizzle them generously with extra caramel sauce. It adds a layer of richness that makes them look as good as they taste.
My Best Apple Cheesecake Caramel Bars Tips
The Secret to a Perfect Crust
Using a boxed white cake mix for the crust is my go-to hack. It creates a tender, buttery base that holds up to the layers of cheesecake and apple without getting soggy. Just mix it with melted butter and press it into the pan; it’s practically effortless.
Achieving a Smooth Cheesecake
For a flawless cheesecake layer, it’s all about the temperature of your cream cheese. It must be at room temperature before you start mixing. This will ensure a lump-free, velvety texture.
How to Get the Best Apple Flavor
Choosing a tart, crisp apple like a Granny Smith is key. Their bright flavor cuts through the richness of the cheesecake and caramel. Also, finely dicing the apples ensures every bite has a piece of soft, spiced apple.
Your Drizzle, Your Rules
The final caramel drizzle is non-negotiable for me. While store-bought works, you can also experiment with different toppings. I’ve found that toasted pecans add a fantastic crunch and another layer of flavor.
Variations of Apple Cheesecake Caramel Bars
If you’re looking for a dessert without turning on the oven, you can easily adapt this recipe into a no-bake version by using a graham cracker crust and a simple stovetop apple compote. Alternatively, for a warmer, spicier flavor, just add a pinch of nutmeg and allspice to your apple mixture. For a different texture, consider making a simple crumble topping with oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter, and sprinkle it over the apple layer before baking for a crunchy finish that contrasts beautifully with the soft layers below.
If you liked this recipe you’ll definitely love this pumpkin bars recipe.
FAQs
How do you store apple cheesecake caramel bars?
Once the bars have fully cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. They often taste even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can! While a tart apple like Granny Smith balances the sweetness well, any firm apple variety will work. Just remember that a sweeter apple like a Fuji or Gala will result in a sweeter final product.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
This is a great make-ahead dessert for a party. You can prepare and bake the bars up to two days in advance. Just be sure to keep them refrigerated and then add the final drizzle of caramel sauce right before you serve.
Print
Apple Cheesecake Caramel Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These incredible Apple Cheesecake Caramel Bars are the perfect combination of creamy, spiced, and sweet. Featuring a simple cake mix crust, a rich cheesecake layer, a spiced apple filling, and a decadent caramel drizzle, they are a showstopper dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. This recipe is a home run every single time, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Crust
1 box white cake mix (dry)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Mixture
3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup caramel sauce
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Drizzle
Additional caramel sauce for drizzle on top
Instructions
Prepare the Shortbread Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to use as “handles.” In a medium bowl, combine the dry cake mix and melted butter. Mix until a crumbly dough forms, then press it evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Pour this smooth batter evenly over the crust.
Prepare the Apple Topping
In a separate bowl, toss the finely diced apples with the brown sugar, caramel sauce, flour, and cinnamon until the apples are evenly coated. The flour helps to thicken the juices from the apples as they bake.
Assemble and Bake the Bars
Evenly scatter the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are golden. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then chill them in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours to firm up before slicing.
Drizzle with Caramel
Just before serving, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper handles. Drizzle generously with additional caramel sauce and slice into squares.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients: For a perfectly smooth and lump-free cheesecake layer, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This allows them to blend together more easily.
Choosing the Right Apples: Using a tart, crisp apple like a Granny Smith is highly recommended. Their flavor provides a great balance to the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel. However, firm apples like Fuji or Gala also work well.
Thickening the Apple Layer: The tablespoon of flour is essential for thickening the apple filling and preventing the bars from becoming watery. Don’t skip this step!
Proper Cooling is Key: The chilling step is crucial for achieving clean, neat slices. Rushing this can result in a messy, soft bar. It’s best to chill them for a minimum of 3-4 hours, but chilling them overnight is even better.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: apple dessert, cheesecake bars, caramel dessert, fall baking, apple pie, caramel apple, cream cheese dessert, easy dessert
