If you love the cozy flavors of a classic American dessert, you are going to absolutely adore this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe. It brilliantly combines the tart, tender apples and warm spices of apple pie with the luscious, creamy texture of cheesecake all nestled atop a buttery graham cracker crust. The final touch of sea salt and caramel sauce takes these bars from wonderful to unforgettable. Whether you want an easy-to-share dessert for a crowd or a special treat to make any day feel like a celebration, these bars truly deliver on both taste and comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something magical. Each component adds a key element, from the crunchy crust to the sweet, spiced filling and that irresistible caramel finish.
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted: Provides richness and binds the graham cracker crust perfectly.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: The base that adds a subtle sweetness and crumbly texture.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the crust and balances the tart apples.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground: Adds warm spice to the crust that complements the apples beautifully.
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: The star of the cheesecake filling, giving it smooth creaminess.
- 3 large eggs: Helps set the cheesecake and adds body to the filling.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without overwhelming it.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into small pieces: The fresh fruit that brings classic apple pie flavor.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Sprinkled on the apples for that signature warm spice.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Coats the apples for caramelized sweetness.
- Caramel sauce (store-bought): Adds gooey, buttery decadence on top.
- Sea salt: Sprinkled for a perfect sweet-and-salty finish that elevates the bars.
How to Make Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. While it warms, line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray to ensure your bars come out cleanly after baking. This prep sets a great foundation for the crust and filling.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix together melted butter, ground cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. The butter helps hold everything together, while cinnamon adds a subtle depth. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan using the bottom of a glass or the back of a spoon to create a firm, compact base. Pop the crust into the oven and bake for 10 minutes to make it nicely golden and slightly crisp.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
While the crust is baking, toss your peeled and diced apples with sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This simple step ensures the apples are perfectly sweetened and spiced, mimicking that classic apple pie filling flavor that makes these bars so comforting.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In your mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and almost fluffy. Being sure your cream cheese is at room temperature will prevent lumps and give you the best texture. Once smooth, gently fold in the prepared apples to distribute the fruit evenly throughout the cheesecake base.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer. Bake the whole thing uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the filling is set and only slightly jiggles when you gently shake the pan. This slow bake allows the flavors to meld and the textures to come together perfectly.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
After baking, let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature. This cooling step is crucial; it lets the bars firm up, making cutting clean squares much easier and preventing the filling from crumbling.
Step 7: Top and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle the bars generously with caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. The salty-sweet combo is what really sends this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe soaring to the next level of delicious. Slice into squares and get ready for a bite of pure autumnal bliss.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A drizzle of caramel sauce with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt is all you need, but feel free to get creative. A dollop of whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or some chopped toasted pecans perfectly complement the richness of the bars and add a bit of flair.
Side Dishes
Serve these bars alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of spiced chai or coffee. The creamy ice cream contrasts beautifully with the dense bars, while warm drinks balance their sweetness and spice, making any gathering feel cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, arrange these cheesecake bars on a rustic wooden board or layered cake stand for visual appeal. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper tied with twine to make delightful grab-and-go treats for picnics or gift-giving during the holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These bars keep well in an airtight container refrigerated for up to five days. Keeping them chilled helps maintain their creamy texture and keeps the apples fresh-tasting. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for best flavor before eating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and top with fresh caramel and sea salt for that fresh-baked feel.
Reheating
To enjoy warm bars, place individual squares in the microwave for about 20 seconds or put the whole pan in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Warm bars paired with ice cream are a dream come true.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are great for a tart punch, but Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples also work beautifully and will offer varying levels of sweetness and texture.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling apples helps achieve a smoother texture in the bars and prevents the skin from becoming tough, but if you prefer a bit more chew and fiber, leaving the skins on is fine.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free version or use crushed gluten-free cookies. Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Do I need to use store-bought caramel sauce?
Store-bought caramel sauce is a convenient option, but you can also make your own caramel at home for a more personalized touch. Either way, caramel adds wonderful richness that balances the apples and cheesecake perfectly.
How do I prevent cracks on the cheesecake bars?
To minimize cracking, bake at the recommended temperature and avoid overbaking. Allow the bars to cool gradually and completely in the pan before slicing, and avoid shaking the pan while hot.
Final Thoughts
With its warm spices, creamy cheesecake, and sweet apples, this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. I can’t wait for you to try them and experience the cozy, delicious vibes that remind you of lazy afternoons and happy gatherings. Once you do, these bars will likely become your new go-to dessert for every season.
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Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the best of both worlds: a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and tender apple chunks spiced with cinnamon. Topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars are a decadent treat perfect for dessert lovers seeking a cozy, fall-inspired flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Crust
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Apple Mixture
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Topping
- Caramel sauce (store-bought)
- Sea salt
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, ground cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix well until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan using the bottom of a glass to create a compact crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare Apples: While the crust bakes, toss the peeled, cored, and diced apples in a medium bowl with sugar and cinnamon until coated evenly. Set aside.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In the bowl of a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy. Gently fold the apple mixture into the cheesecake batter, distributing the apples without breaking them down.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined cheesecake and apple filling over the pre-baked crust. Use a spatula to level the top for even baking. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the baking pan from the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate if desired before slicing into 9 squares.
- Top and Serve: Before serving, drizzle the bars generously with store-bought caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with sea salt to enhance the sweet and savory flavors.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- You can substitute Granny Smith apples with your preferred tart apple variety.
- If you prefer a thicker crust, increase graham cracker crumbs by ¼ cup and butter by 2 tablespoons.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat slightly before serving to enjoy the gooey texture and melty caramel sauce.
