If you are dreaming of a dessert that perfectly blends the warm, cozy flavors of apple pie with the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake, then you will absolutely love this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe. These bars deliver the best of both worlds in every bite, combining a buttery graham cracker crust with cinnamon-spiced apples and luscious cheesecake filling, all finished with a drizzle of caramel and a touch of sea salt. It’s like having your favorite classic fall dessert reinvented in a portable, crowd-pleasing bar that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that work together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a vital role—whether it’s the buttery richness of butter, the tangy creaminess of the cream cheese, or the comforting spice notes of cinnamon that evoke autumn in every bite.
- 6 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds a rich and moist base to the graham cracker crust, ensuring it holds together perfectly.
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides a slightly sweet and crunchy foundation that pairs wonderfully with the creamy filling.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to enhance its flavor without overpowering the other layers.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ground: Infuses the crust with a warm, spicy note that previews the apple filling flavors.
- 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature: The star player that creates the luscious, velvety cheesecake layer you’ll love.
- 3 large eggs: Helps bind the filling and gives it a smooth yet sturdy texture.
- ¼ cup sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling for balance and delight.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: A pinch to deepen the flavors and cut through the sweetness.
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into small pieces: Brings juicy, tender chunks of apple that burst with freshness and spice.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds the quintessential apple pie spice flavor to the apple mixture.
- 3 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens and caramelizes the apples, making them irresistibly delicious.
- Caramel sauce (store-bought): The perfect finishing touch, offering luscious sweetness with each drizzle.
- Sea salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the bars.
How to Make Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure an even baking temperature. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray. This setup guarantees easy removal of the bars once baked and prevents any sticky surprises when slicing.
Step 2: Make Crust
Mix melted butter, ground cinnamon, sugar, and graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl until everything is well combined. Then press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan using the bottom of a glass. This forms a crisp and flavorful crust that will hold up beautifully beneath the rich cheesecake layer. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it before adding the filling.
Step 3: Prepare Apples
While the crust is baking, toss the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This simple mix softens the apples slightly and coats them in the signature warm spices that make apple pie so beloved. The sweet-spiced apples will be nestled inside the cheesecake, giving every bite a burst of fruity goodness.
Step 4: Make Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed until the mixture is perfectly smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. This beating process is key to a silky filling. Then, gently fold in the apple mixture, spreading those flavorful, tender apples evenly throughout your cheesecake batter without breaking them up.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and level the surface with a spatula for uniform baking. Bake uncovered for about 1 hour, or until the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center. The oven’s gentle heat will create a creamy yet firm texture, bringing this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe to life.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Once baked, allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling step is crucial for the bars to firm up properly and make clean slicing easier. When cool, lift out the entire slab using the parchment paper and cut into nine squares, perfect for sharing or enjoying as a personal treat.
Step 7: Top and Serve
Before serving, generously drizzle caramel sauce over each bar and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt. The caramel adds depth and sweetness, while the sea salt provides a wonderful contrast that enhances the overall flavor experience of this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these cheesecake bars, consider adding a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side. A light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nutty aroma that pairs beautifully with the apple and caramel flavors.
Side Dishes
These bars are wonderfully indulgent on their own, but if you’re serving them for a special occasion or dessert spread, fresh fruit like sliced pears or a cinnamon-spiced warm cider can complement the flavors and add a refreshing balance to this rich dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, place the bars on a rustic wooden board and cluster small bowls of caramel sauce and sea salt on the side to let guests customize their servings. Alternatively, assemble them into mini parfaits by layering crumbled bars with whipped cream and fresh apples in clear glasses for an elegant twist that wows visually and taste-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Chilling helps maintain their creamy texture and keeps the apples from becoming mushy, so they’ll be just as delightful the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze these bars for up to 2 months by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
If you prefer your bars warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cheesecake silky and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, but you can also try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for a sweeter flavor. Just make sure to peel and dice them into small pieces for even cooking in the bars.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham crackers or crushed gluten-free cookies. Ensure all other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free for safety.
How do I prevent the apples from sinking in the cheesecake filling?
To help suspend the apples evenly, fold them gently into the filling right before pouring over the crust. Also, slicing them into smaller pieces helps distribute weight more evenly and prevents sinking.
Can I prepare the crust and apple mixture the day before?
Definitely! You can prepare and bake the crust, and toss the apples with sugar and cinnamon the day before. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble everything just before baking for fresh results.
What is the best way to cut the bars without cracking?
Make sure the bars are completely cooled, ideally chilled for a bit, before slicing. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts to get smooth edges without cracking.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe—it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or to impress friends, these bars are sure to become a favorite on your dessert rotation. The harmony of apple pie spices and creamy cheesecake wrapped in a buttery crust is pure magic, so get baking and enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
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
Deliciously creamy apple pie cheesecake bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, spiced apple pieces, and a rich cheesecake filling, all topped with caramel sauce and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for a comforting dessert that combines the best of apple pie and cheesecake in 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
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 ensure easy removal of the bars after baking.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass to create a firm crust layer. Bake this crust for 10 minutes to set.
- Prepare Apples: While the crust is baking, toss the peeled, cored, and chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon in a separate bowl. This will sweeten and spice the apple pieces for the filling.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and salt on medium-high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture is very smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the prepared apple mixture to incorporate evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake and apple filling over the baked crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Bake the assembled bars uncovered for approximately 1 hour, or until the cheesecake filling is set and slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool and Slice: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely to room temperature. Once cooled, slice into squares for serving.
- Top and Serve: Drizzle the bars with store-bought caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt to enhance the flavors before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter and prevent lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet and tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheesecake.
- Drizzling caramel sauce with a sprinkle of sea salt adds a delightful sweet and salty contrast to the bars.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can prepare the crust and apple mixture in advance to save time when assembling.
