Today, I’m sharing some wonderful dessert ideas with you: two amazing caramel apple cheesecake recipes! If you like the classic taste of apples mixed with sweet caramel and creamy cheesecake, you’re in for a treat. These recipes bring together all those favorite flavors in different ways.
I’ve picked out two simple yet special treats. One is a classic caramel apple cheesecake, perfect for a gathering, and the other is a batch of easy-to-serve caramel apple cheesecake bars. Both are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a good dessert.
Jump to Recipe:
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Easy Dessert
These bars are a fantastic way to enjoy caramel apple cheesecake in a portable format. They feature a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a delightful apple topping finished with sweet caramel.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Apple Choice: Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture. They hold their shape well during baking.
- Crust Pressing: Make sure to press the crust firmly into the pan. This helps create a solid base that won’t crumble when you cut the bars.
What You Need for Apple Cheesecake Bars
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- Store-bought caramel sauce for topping
🍽️ Yields: 16 bars
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust and Apple Topping
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press this mixture into the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan. In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Set both aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until it is smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the prepared crust in your baking pan.
Step 3: Bake and Finish
Spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set. Let the bars cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce and cutting into squares.
📝 Final Note on Caramel Apple Bars
These bars taste best when they are completely chilled. Pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving for easy slicing.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake: Classic Dessert
This classic caramel apple cheesecake offers a creamy, rich texture with a warm apple topping. It’s perfect for celebrations or when you want a beautiful dessert to share.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Apple Cheesecake
- Water Bath: Baking your cheesecake in a water bath helps it bake evenly and prevents cracks. This keeps it smooth and creamy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This makes for a smoother, lump-free cheesecake batter.
What You Need for Caramel Apple Cheesecake
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- Caramel sauce for topping
🍽️ Yields: 8-12 servings
How to Make the Classic Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Step 1: Crust and Cheesecake Base
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, then press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Wrap the bottom of the pan in foil for a water bath. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then mix in eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until just combined. Pour over the crust.
Step 2: Bake with Water Bath
Place the springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Fill the roasting pan with hot water to come halfway up the sides of the springform pan. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
Step 3: Apple Topping and Chill
While the cheesecake cools, sauté sliced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon until tender. Once the cheesecake is fully cooled, spread the apple topping over it. Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before removing from the pan and drizzling with caramel sauce.
📝 Final Note on Classic Cheesecake
For the best results and an even slice, use a warm knife to cut your cheesecake. You can run your knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.