Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are one of my favorite fall desserts. They combine everything I love about caramel apples and creamy cheesecake in one irresistible layered treat. With a buttery crust, a smooth cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a rich caramel drizzle, these bars are pure comfort with a little crunch on top.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love these bars because they’re easier than a full cheesecake but deliver the same decadent flavor. The sweet-tart apples pair perfectly with the tangy cream cheese and buttery streusel topping. They slice beautifully and are easy to serve at parties, potlucks, or even as a cozy dessert after dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
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All-purpose flour
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Brown sugar
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Unsalted butter, melted
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Pinch of salt
For the cheesecake layer:
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Cream cheese, softened
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Granulated sugar
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
For the apple layer:
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Apples (peeled and chopped)
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Brown sugar
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Cinnamon
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Nutmeg (optional)
For the streusel topping:
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Flour
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Brown sugar
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Oats
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Butter, softened
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Cinnamon
For the finishing touch:
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Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Directions
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I preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
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I mix the crust ingredients and press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish. I bake it for 10 minutes and set it aside.
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I beat the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth, then pour it over the slightly cooled crust.
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I toss the chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon, then spread them over the cheesecake layer.
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I mix the streusel topping ingredients until crumbly, then sprinkle it evenly over the apples.
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I bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set and the topping is golden.
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I cool the bars completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
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Just before serving, I drizzle with warm caramel sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 16 bars. It takes 20 minutes to prep and around 35 minutes to bake, plus chilling time.
Variations
Sometimes I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch. I’ve also used a gingersnap crust for a spicier base or swapped the apples for pears. For a salted caramel finish, I sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle.
Storage/Reheating
I store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They’re best served chilled, but I’ve also warmed them slightly in the microwave. They freeze well too—I just wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
FAQs
What apples work best for this recipe?
I like using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness perfectly.
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, I often use good-quality store-bought caramel sauce. If I have time, homemade caramel makes it extra special.
Do I need to let them chill before slicing?
Yes, chilling helps the cheesecake set and makes it much easier to slice cleanly. I recommend at least 2 hours in the fridge.
Can I make these ahead?
Absolutely. I often make them a day in advance. The flavors get even better after sitting overnight in the fridge.
Can I skip the streusel topping?
You can, but I don’t recommend it—it adds texture and sweetness that balances the creamy cheesecake and soft apples.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and spiced. They’re simple enough for a casual treat but elegant enough for special occasions. Whether I’m making them for a holiday spread or just because I love fall flavors, they always bring cozy comfort and big smiles.
Print
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the classic flavors of caramel apples and creamy cheesecake in a layered dessert with a buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, streusel topping, and a rich caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the apple layer:
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- For the finishing touch:
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix crust ingredients: flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Press into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Mix streusel topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
- Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce. Enjoy chilled or slightly warmed.
Notes
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Swap apples for pears or use a gingersnap crust for a spiced twist.
- Sprinkle sea salt over caramel for a salted caramel version.
- Bars freeze well for up to 2 months—wrap tightly before freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
