Nothing beats the cozy, warm flavors of fall quite like this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Imagine the comforting sweetness of apple pie combined with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake all in one delightful bar. These bars are a perfect treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, bringing together tender baked apples, a buttery graham cracker crust, and just the right touch of cinnamon and caramel. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or craving a special dessert to indulge in, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up these Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars requires a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the buttery crust to the sweet apple filling, every item elevates this recipe to pure deliciousness.
- Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): This adds richness and helps bind the graham cracker crust for a perfectly crisp base.
- Graham cracker crumbs (2 cups): The backbone of the crust, providing sweetness and a wonderful texture.
- Sugar (3 tablespoons for crust, ¼ cup for filling, 3 tablespoons for apples): Sweetens each layer delicately without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon for crust, ½ teaspoon for apples): Warm spice that brings out the cozy fall vibes in this recipe.
- Cream cheese (16 ounces, at room temperature): The creamy star of the cheesecake component, creating that luscious mouthfeel.
- Eggs (3 large): Bind the cheesecake filling perfectly while giving it structure.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- Apples (2 large, peeled, cored, and diced): The fresh, tender fruit filling that makes this dish feel like homemade comfort food.
- Caramel sauce (store-bought): Adds a luxurious drizzle that complements the apples brilliantly.
- Sea salt (to sprinkle): Finishes the bars with a subtle salty contrast to the sweetness.
How to Make Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, ensuring it’s ready to bake the bars evenly. Line a 9×9 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This step is key to making sure your bars come out clean with no sticking—easy removal means picture-perfect squares every time.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until everything is evenly moistened. Then, firmly press this mixture into the bottom of your prepared pan using the bottom of a glass or your fingertips. This simple crust forms a sturdy but tender foundation, baking for 10 minutes to set just right and add that irresistible toasty aroma to your kitchen.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
Toss your peeled and diced apples with sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. This mixture not only sweetens the apples but also brings out their natural juices, infusing a warm spice flavor that makes these bars so mouthwateringly delicious.
Step 4: Create the Cheesecake Filling
Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. This aeration is crucial because it gives the cheesecake layer a light, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. Gently fold in the cinnamon apples you prepared in the previous step, making sure those tender fruit pieces are evenly distributed without breaking them up.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
Pour the creamy apple-cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for about 1 hour. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are set, and the center is just firm to the touch—no one wants a jiggly mess here!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Allow the bars to cool in the pan completely. This lets the cheesecake set perfectly and makes slicing easier, so you get clean, beautiful bars that hold together nicely.
Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
When it’s time to serve, drizzle generous ribbons of caramel sauce over each bar and finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt. The combination of sweet caramel and a hint of saltiness is the ultimate flavor kicker that elevates your Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe into a dessert worth savoring.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bars with a fresh twist by adding whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar on top. For an extra-special touch, sprinkle some toasted chopped nuts or a pinch of nutmeg alongside the sea salt. These little flourishes make your dessert look stunning and offer a welcome contrast in texture.
Side Dishes
Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars are surprisingly versatile when it comes to pairing. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche complements the richness perfectly, while a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee brings warmth and balance. If you want to keep it light, a simple side of fresh fruit or a crisp salad helps round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of extra caramel sauce and sea salt for guests to customize. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares, pop toothpicks in them, and serve them as cute dessert bites at gatherings. Taking the time to present these bars with a little flair really makes sharing this recipe so joyful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy that signature creamy and fruity flavor even after the initial baking day. Chilling helps them firm up beautifully, making each bite just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars if you want to prepare in advance or save some for later. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them overnight in the fridge for a no-fuss sweet treat any time.
Reheating
If you prefer your Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars slightly warmed, pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or heat gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or you might melt the cheesecake. A warm bar paired with cool whipped cream makes a delightful contrast that’s hard to beat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well due to their firm texture and balance of sweet-tart flavor, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples depending on your preference. Just be aware that some apples may release more juices, affecting the texture slightly.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended to create a smooth filling that blends well with the creamy cheesecake. However, if you enjoy a bit of extra texture and fiber, leaving the peel on is an option—just be sure to wash the apples well before dicing.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or use almond flour for the crust. Both options will maintain the crust’s delicious flavor and texture, ensuring your bars stay just as tasty without gluten.
What is the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
For clean slices, make sure the bars are completely cooled and chilled. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, then wiped dry before each cut. This technique helps you achieve smooth edges without crumbling or sticking.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Definitely! While store-bought caramel sauce is convenient, homemade caramel elevates the bars even more. A simple blend of butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt can be cooked on the stove to create a luscious homemade drizzle that’s well worth the extra effort.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines all the best parts of autumn in one bite, this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is your answer. It’s the kind of treat that brings smiles, sparks compliments, and makes people ask for seconds without hesitation. Trust me, once you try making these bars, they’ll quickly become your new favorite dessert to bake and share. So grab your ingredients and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible scent of apple pie and cheesecake magic!
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Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the nostalgic flavors of classic apple pie with a creamy cheesecake filling atop a buttery graham cracker crust. Finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt, these bars make a perfect dessert that’s both rich and comforting.
Ingredients
Crust
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Topping
- Caramel sauce (store-bought)
- Sea salt (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Mix well and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In another medium bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with 3 tablespoons sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside to let the flavors mingle.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixer bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the prepared apple mixture until evenly distributed.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour or until the filling is fully set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan. This ensures the bars set well and are easier to slice.
- Serve with Toppings: Once cooled, slice into 9 or more squares. Drizzle each piece with caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with sea salt for a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of saltiness.
Notes
- You can substitute the apples with other firm fruits like pears for a different twist.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Using parchment paper makes removing the bars from the pan easier and helps with cleaner slices.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow bars to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
