If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly combines the warm, comforting flavors of autumn with rich, creamy decadence, look no further than this delightful Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars offer the best of both worlds: a crumbly, buttery graham cracker crust meets a luscious cheesecake filling dotted with tender cinnamon-spiced apples. Finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt, each bite is a celebration of cozy flavors and textures that make dessert time feel extra special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe uses a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each item plays a special role in creating the right balance of sweetness, spice, and creamy texture you’ll love.
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted: Helps bind the graham cracker crust and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a sweet, crunchy base that’s the perfect counterpart to the creamy filling.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough without overpowering the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses warm spice into the crust, tying it beautifully to the apple mixture.
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: The star ingredient for that velvety cheesecake texture.
- 3 large eggs: Give structure and help bind the creamy filling.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer with a delicate sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and small diced: Adds tender, juicy bits of cinnamon-spiced fruit that make these bars unforgettable.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Brings warm spice directly to the apples for that classic apple pie vibe.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the apples and helps them become deliciously soft during baking.
- Caramel sauce (store-bought): Drizzled on top for an irresistible finishing touch.
- Sea salt: Sprinkled atop the caramel to add contrast and depth with a hint of savory crunch.
How to Make Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and give it a light spray of cooking spray to ensure the bars release easily once baked. Setting up properly now means happier, cleaner slicing later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until everything is coated and crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass to compact it well. Bake this crust for 10 minutes to set the base and awaken the spices—it forms the crunchy foundation that holds everything together in the best way.
Step 3: Prepare the Apples
While the crust is baking, toss the peeled and diced apples with the 3 tablespoons sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon in a medium bowl. This simple mixture softens slightly during baking and ensures every bite has a burst of warm, spiced fruit that spells pure comfort.
Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed until the mixture is silky smooth and fluffy—about 5 minutes. Gently fold in the spiced apples so they are evenly distributed without breaking them down, keeping that delightful texture intact.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake and apple filling over the warm crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even layer. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the filling is mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center. This slow bake allows the flavors to meld and creates that perfect creamy-dense cheesecake consistency.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This step is key—it lets the cheesecake firm up so that when you cut into squares, they hold their shape beautifully without crumbling or breaking apart.
Step 7: Top and Serve
Finish these bars by drizzling with caramel sauce and sprinkling with a pinch of sea salt. The caramel adds luscious sweetness and a glossy finish, while the salt balances that sweetness with a nuanced pop of flavor. Now your Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is ready to wow everyone!
How to Serve Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
For a picture-perfect presentation, add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar alongside the caramel drizzle and sea salt. If you want a hint of freshness, a few mint leaves or a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream can elevate these bars even further.
Side Dishes
These bars pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai, or mulled cider—perfect cozy drink companions. For a dessert spread, fresh fruit or a light fruit salad balances their richness nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these bars in clear glass dessert dishes topped with layers of caramel and crushed graham crackers for a parfait-style twist. You can also cut them into bite-size squares and arrange them on a charcuterie board with nuts and cheeses for a fun party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe covered tightly in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 4 days, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw refrigerated overnight and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
For a warm treat, reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This brings out the soft cream cheese texture and gently warms the apple filling without drying out the crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith or Crisp Honeycrisp hold up well during baking and balance the sweetness. Feel free to experiment with your favorites for a personalized touch.
Is it possible to make the crust gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free graham cracker or crushed gluten-free cookies to enjoy these bars gluten-free while keeping that wonderful texture.
Can I make these bars vegan or dairy-free?
While this recipe uses cream cheese and butter traditionally, you can try plant-based cream cheese and vegan butter substitutes. Keep in mind it may slightly change the texture but still tastes delicious.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
Gently folding the apples into the cheesecake mixture instead of stirring vigorously helps keep them suspended throughout the bars, giving you apple goodness in every bite.
Can I prepare these bars ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! These bars are excellent when made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep them refrigerated until serving time and add the caramel and sea salt right before guests arrive.
Final Thoughts
Give this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe a try and discover a dessert that’s not only easy to make but irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these bars bring warmth, sweetness, and creamy delight all in one bite. Trust me, once you taste them you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy classic in your recipe rotation.
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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 a buttery graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake filling studded with cinnamon-spiced apples, topped off with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy a fusion of classic apple pie and rich cheesecake in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients
Crust
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Apple Filling
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Topping
- Caramel sauce (store-bought)
- Sea salt, for sprinkling
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 melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass or your fingers. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare Apples: In another bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon to coat evenly. Set aside.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Using a mixer on medium-high speed, beat the room temperature cream cheese with sugar, eggs, and salt for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold the prepared apple mixture into the cheesecake batter, mixing carefully to distribute the apples without overmixing.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake and apple filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until the cheesecake filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled before slicing into squares.
- Top and Serve: Before serving, drizzle the bars generously with store-bought caramel sauce and sprinkle lightly with sea salt for contrast and an added layer of flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest batter.
- Let the bars chill properly to facilitate clean slicing.
- You can substitute the caramel sauce with homemade if desired.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
