A Thanksgiving Dessert Idea: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Thanksgiving is all about rich flavors, hearty dishes, and of course, decadent desserts. While pumpkin pie and apple pie are Thanksgiving classics, why not try something a little different this year? Introducing: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars—a delicious, easy-to-make dessert that combines the best of fall flavors with the creamy goodness of cheesecake.

These cheesecake bars are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth and rich cream cheese filling, and a layer of spiced apples and gooey caramel on top. They’re guaranteed to be a hit with your guests, and they’re also much easier to serve than a traditional pie!

Why You'll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars:

• A twist on tradition: Combining apple pie with cheesecake and caramel, these bars offer a new, indulgent take on classic Thanksgiving flavors.

• Perfectly portioned: No need to slice a whole pie! These cheesecake bars are pre-portioned, making them easy to serve and share.

• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare them ahead of time, so you’re not scrambling to get dessert ready when your guests arrive.

• Crowd-pleaser: The layers of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and buttery caramel are bound to win over even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 graham crackers, crushed)

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup sour cream

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the apple topping:

• 3 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg

• Pinch of salt

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the caramel drizzle:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy removal later.

2. Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter.

3. Press into the pan: Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon to pack it down firmly.

4. Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

   
   

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer (or in a stand mixer) until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

2. Add sugar and eggs: Add the granulated sugar and mix until combined. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Add sour cream and flour: Add the sour cream and flour, and mix until smooth and well combined.

4. Pour over the crust: Pour the cheesecake filling onto the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

5. Bake the cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Don’t worry if it’s a little soft in the middle—it will firm up as it cools. Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

   
   

3. Make the Apple Topping:

1. Prepare the apples: While the cheesecake cools, peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks.

2. Cook the apples: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture becomes syrupy. Stir in the lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance the flavor. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

   
   

4. Assemble the Bars:

1. Top with apples: Once the cheesecake has chilled, spread the cooked apple mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer.

2. Drizzle with caramel: Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the apple topping, creating a beautiful glossy finish.

3. Chill again: Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake bars for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the caramel to set.

   
   

5. Slice and Serve:

1. Slice into bars: Once everything is chilled and set, use the parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares (9 or 12 bars depending on your preferred portion size).

2. Serve: These bars are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Why These Bars Are Perfect for Thanksgiving:

• Fall flavors: The combination of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel makes this dessert feel like a warm hug on a cold autumn day—perfect for the Thanksgiving season.

• Make ahead: Since these cheesecake bars need time to chill, they’re ideal for preparing in advance. That means less stress on the big day and more time to enjoy with family and friends.

• Crowd-pleasing: These bars can easily be sliced into bite-sized pieces, making them perfect for a crowd. Everyone will get a little taste of the creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and sweet caramel.

  
  

Tips for Success:

• Let the cheesecake set: Don’t rush the cooling process! Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before adding the apples, and refrigerate it long enough to set up properly. This ensures clean slices and a firm texture.

• Use firm apples: Apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best when cooked, offering the perfect balance of tartness and texture in the topping.

• Caramel sauce: Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor. You can use store-bought or make your own if you're feeling adventurous!

  
  

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars recipe combines everything you love about Thanksgiving desserts—rich cheesecake, spiced apples, buttery crust, and gooey caramel—all in a convenient, easy-to-serve bar format. It’s a festive and crowd-pleasing treat that will elevate your holiday dessert table. Your guests will be asking for seconds (or thirds!), so be prepared to share the recipe!

Enjoy these sweet, autumn-inspired bars and make this Thanksgiving extra memorable with a dessert that truly captures the essence of fall.