If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the luscious creaminess of cheesecake with the bright, fruity pop of apple and the decadent sweetness of caramel, then these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert obsession. Imagine biting into a velvety cheesecake layer topped with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust and finished off with a crunchy streusel topping and a generous drizzle of homemade caramel. Every bite is a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making these bars an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients, each playing an essential role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the classic graham cracker crust to the fresh Granny Smith apples and rich caramel sauce, every component blends seamlessly to delight your senses.

2 cups graham cracker crumbs: The buttery, slightly sweet base that provides a sturdy and flavorful crust.
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps bind the crust together perfectly.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough while balancing the tangy apples.
1/4 tsp cinnamon: A warm spice that hints at fall and enhances the apple’s natural flavor.
16 oz cream cheese (softened): The heart of the cheesecake layer for that luxuriously smooth texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling without overpowering.
2 large eggs: Provide structure to the cheesecake, allowing it to set beautifully.
1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the cream cheese mixture.
3 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced): Their tartness perfectly cuts through the richness.
2 tbsp lemon juice: Prevents apples from browning and adds a refreshing zing.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the apple layer with a rich molasses note.
1 tsp cinnamon: Enhances the spiced profile of the apple topping.
1/4 tsp nutmeg: Adds an aromatic warmth that’s subtle but unforgettable.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the streusel topping that adds a crumbly texture.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Sweet and caramel-like, it sweetens the streusel topping.
1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates that classic crumble when mixed into the streusel.
1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional): For added crunch and nutty flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar: The star ingredient for the silky homemade caramel sauce.
1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and initiates caramelization smoothly.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Gives the caramel its rich, creamy consistency.
2 tbsp unsalted butter: Adds a velvety finish to the caramel sauce.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens the caramel flavor.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This ensures that your bars will come out cleanly in perfect squares and that nothing sticks to the pan during baking.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. This simple mixture forms a wonderfully buttery and slightly spiced base. Press it firmly into the bottom of your prepared pan and pop it into the oven for 10 minutes to bake. Once out, let it cool as you prep the next layers.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until it’s silky smooth and free of lumps. Add eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Pour this decadent cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula for a perfectly flat surface.

Step 4: Mix and Spread the Apple Layer

Toss peeled, diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. The lemon juice keeps the apples bright and fresh while the spices bring warm fall flavors to the forefront. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, creating a colorful, inviting layer.

Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping

To make that irresistible crumbly topping, mix flour and brown sugar, then cut in cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you love nuts, stir in chopped pecans to add extra texture and nuttiness. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the apples for a beautiful golden finish.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You want the streusel to be golden brown and the cheesecake layer to be set but still slightly jiggly in the center. After baking, let the bars cool completely at room temperature before chilling them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow everything to firm up.

Step 7: Make the Caramel Sauce

In a saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves. Increase the heat to medium-high and let it cook without stirring until it turns a deep amber color, roughly 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat carefully and whisk in heavy cream—it will bubble vigorously but keep whisking until smooth. Stir in butter and salt until perfectly creamy. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the bars.

Step 8: Serve Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Cut the fully chilled bars into squares and drizzle each piece generously with warm caramel sauce just before serving. This finishing touch takes these bars from amazing to unforgettable.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

To elevate presentation and flavor, try topping the bars with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans for added crunch. A dusting of cinnamon or a few extra caramel drizzles can make each serving look like a dessert fit for a special celebration.

Side Dishes

While these bars are rich and satisfying on their own, serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cup of hot spiced apple cider can transform your dessert into a complete, comforting experience. The cold ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm caramel, while cider keeps the apple theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the bars on pretty dessert plates with a garnish of thin apple slices fanned out beside them or place a small edible flower for a charming touch. Alternatively, stack smaller bars with layers of whipped cream in between for a delightful mini parfait presentation at brunches or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually develop even more on the second day, making leftovers just as delightful as fresh.

Freezing

If you want to make these bars ahead for a special occasion, they freeze wonderfully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then add your caramel drizzle fresh.

Reheating

For a warm, comforting treat, gently reheat a bar in the microwave for 15-20 seconds—enough to warm it without melting the cream cheese too much. Then drizzle with warm caramel sauce to revive that fresh-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide perfect tartness, you can try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter, juicier bite. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may alter the overall balance, so you might want to reduce the added sugar slightly.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the graham cracker crumbs and all-purpose flour in the streusel with gluten-free alternatives. Many stores offer gluten-free graham crackers and flour blends that will work just as well without sacrificing texture or taste.

Can I prepare these bars without making the caramel sauce from scratch?

While homemade caramel sauce is definitely worth the effort for that deep, rich flavor, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a shortcut. Just warm it slightly before drizzling to mimic the fresh-made richness.

What’s the best way to cut the bars cleanly?

For clean edges, chill the bars thoroughly and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before slicing. This helps the knife glide through the layers without dragging or crumbling.

How do I make the streusel topping nut-free?

If you want to skip the pecans, simply omit them and increase the butter just slightly to maintain a rich, crumbly texture. The streusel will still add a lovely crunch without nuts.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, they’re sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. The layers of creamy cheesecake, tart apples, crumbly streusel, and luscious caramel come together in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Don’t hesitate to make these bars your next baking project—they’re guaranteed to impress both your family and friends with every delicious bite.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Hugo
Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the sweet and tart flavor of apples, topped with a crunchy streusel and a luscious homemade caramel sauce. Perfect as a delightful dessert for fall or any occasion, these bars offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite.

Instructions

Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until well blended. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set, then remove and let cool while preparing the next layers.
Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in vanilla extract. Pour this cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust and spread it out smoothly.
Make the apple layer: In a bowl, toss the diced Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to coat evenly. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
Create the streusel topping: In another bowl, mix flour and brown sugar. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if you are using them for added texture. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set but slightly jiggly in the center. Remove from oven and let cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
Make the caramel sauce: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat, stirring gently until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring, occasionally swirling the pan, until the mixture turns a rich amber color, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat carefully, then whisk in the heavy cream (the mixture will bubble vigorously). Stir in butter and salt until smooth and glossy. Allow caramel to cool slightly.
Serve: Once chilled, cut the cheesecake bars into squares. Drizzle each bar generously with the warm caramel sauce just before serving for an indulgent finish.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast that balances the sweetness of the caramel and streusel.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
For a nut-free version, omit the pecans from the streusel topping.
Store any leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Caramel sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated; warm gently before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 380
Sugar: 32g
Sodium: 195mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, caramel cheesecake bars, fall dessert, cheesecake bars recipe