Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine all the best flavors of fall into one decadent dessert. With a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, a sweet streusel topping, and a final drizzle of caramel, every bite is rich, comforting, and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These bars are like apple pie and cheesecake in one dessert—portable, easy to slice, and perfect for feeding a crowd. The layers balance beautifully: the buttery crust provides a sturdy base, the cheesecake is luxuriously smooth, the apples add a tart-sweet bite, and the crumbly streusel plus caramel drizzle take them over the top. Whether for a holiday table, potluck, or cozy weekend treat, this recipe never disappoints.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling:
3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Apples:
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 3 cups)
2 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup butter, softened

Drizzle:
1/2 cup caramel topping

Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or foil.

2. Make crust: Combine flour and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in softened butter with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly. Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.

3. Prepare cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in vanilla. Pour over warm crust.

4. Add apple layer: Toss chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cheesecake mixture.

5. Make streusel topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and butter in a bowl. Use your fingers to work butter into mixture until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over apples.

6. Bake: Bake 40–45 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool completely at room temperature.

7. Finish: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. Chill in the refrigerator for best texture.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.

• Use a graham cracker crust instead of shortbread for a classic cheesecake twist.

• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for crunch.

• Try salted caramel for a sweet-salty finish.

• Add a teaspoon of apple pie spice in place of cinnamon and nutmeg for deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store bars in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped bars (without caramel drizzle) for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and drizzle with caramel just before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they’re even better after chilling overnight, making them great for entertaining.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling ensures a smooth texture, but you can leave skins on for a rustic finish.

Can I use regular oats instead of quick oats?

Yes, but pulse them briefly in a blender for a finer texture before using.

How do I know when the cheesecake layer is set?

The center should no longer jiggle when gently shaken, and edges will be slightly golden.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but bake in two 9×13 pans for even cooking.

What if I don’t have a pastry blender?

Use two forks or your hands to work butter into the crust and streusel mixtures.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, jarred or bottled caramel works perfectly for drizzling.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the crust and streusel.

What apples are best for baking?

Granny Smith apples hold their shape and add tartness, balancing the sweetness of the caramel and streusel.

Do the bars need to be refrigerated?

Yes, since they contain cream cheese, they must be stored chilled.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a layered dessert masterpiece—rich, creamy, and full of cozy fall flavors. With a buttery crust, spiced apples, and a caramel drizzle, they’re sure to impress at any gathering. Make a batch, slice them up, and watch them disappear.

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