Why did my cheesecake layer crack?

Usually too much air or a fast temperature change. Mix just to combine, bake until jiggly, cool gradually on a rack, then chill.

My caramel sank. How do I fix it next time?

Use a thicker sauce and swirl lightly across the surface instead of pooling in one spot.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use a 9×13 pan. Par-bake the crust 15–18 minutes and bake the bars 40–50 minutes, watching for the same set edges and jiggly center.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (Buttery, Crowd-Pleaser)

Description

Imagine the best parts of fall in one bite. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars stack a buttery shortbread crust, cinnamon-kissed apples, tangy cream cheese, and swirls of thick caramel. All the wow of a fancy dessert—none of the stress.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp fine salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Apple Layer:
2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
½ cup thick caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
Flaky sea salt, optional for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides.
In a food processor, pulse flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold butter and pulse until coarse crumbs form. Press firmly into the pan and bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden.
Toss chopped apples with lemon juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Spread over warm crust.
In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla just until combined.
Pour cheesecake mixture over apples and smooth the top.
Warm caramel slightly, then dollop over batter and swirl with a knife.
Bake 35–45 minutes until edges are set and center still jiggles slightly.
Cool completely on a rack, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
Lift bars from pan, drizzle with more caramel, sprinkle flaky salt if desired, and slice with a clean, hot knife.

Notes

For clean swirls, use a thick caramel sauce. Let cream cheese soften fully before mixing to avoid lumps. Chill bars completely before slicing for best texture and appearance.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 290
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 160mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, fall dessert, easy cheesecake, apple bars, no springform