If fall had a flavor, it would taste exactly like these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust topped with smooth, creamy cheesecake, a layer of cinnamon-spiced apples, and a drizzle of golden caramel sauce—all baked to perfection. Every bite has the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy, making it impossible to eat just one.
I first made these bars on a chilly October weekend after apple picking with my family. We came home with way too many apples, and instead of making the usual pie, I decided to try something new. The result? These cheesecake bars that vanished almost as soon as they cooled. Now they’ve become a fall tradition in my kitchen—a cozy, crowd-pleasing treat that captures the essence of the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine everything you love about autumn desserts in one simple, handheld bar. You get the silky smooth texture of cheesecake, the cozy spice of baked apples, and the decadent sweetness of caramel—all on a buttery, crisp crust. It’s like apple pie and cheesecake came together for the best dessert mash-up ever.
They’re also incredibly versatile. You can bake them for holiday gatherings, take them to potlucks, or just enjoy them at home with a cup of coffee. They travel well, cut cleanly, and taste even better the next day after chilling in the fridge.
What You’ll Need
For the Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
- Pinch of salt
To Finish
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
Pro Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- Soften the cream cheese fully before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Chill before slicing. Cooling helps the bars set and makes them easier to cut cleanly.
- Don’t overbake. The center should still jiggle slightly when removed from the oven.
- Add caramel after cooling to keep it glossy and prevent it from soaking into the crust.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan (optional for caramel)
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
- Dairy-free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter.
- Apple swap: Try pears or peaches for a fun twist.
- Spice boost: Add cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
- Topping variation: Replace the crumb topping with crushed pecans for a nutty crunch.
Make Ahead Tips
- Crust and filling: Prepare up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the fridge.
- Fully baked bars: Refrigerate overnight and drizzle caramel just before serving.
- Freeze option: Wrap cooled, uncut bars tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before slicing.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 4: Prepare the Apple Layer
In a small bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and cold butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before slicing.
Step 7: Drizzle with Caramel
Once chilled, remove from the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into bars and drizzle generously with caramel sauce before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Top each bar with whipped cream and an extra caramel drizzle.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream.
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation.
- Pair with apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt for salted caramel flavor.
Leftovers and Storage
Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 2 months with parchment between layers. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition and Benefits
- Apples: Provide fiber and natural sweetness with less refined sugar.
- Cream cheese: Adds calcium and protein for a satisfying dessert.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add antioxidants and warmth.
- Portion control: Perfect for sharing or smaller indulgent servings.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! Store-bought works perfectly and saves time—just warm slightly before drizzling.
2. What kind of apples are best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness.
3. Can I make these ahead for a party?
Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day after chilling.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger pan (like 11×15) and bake a few minutes longer.
5. What’s the best way to cut clean bars?
Use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices, or chill longer for firmer texture.
6. Can I skip the crumb topping?
You can, but it adds wonderful texture and flavor—highly recommended!
7. Can I make mini cheesecake bites instead?
Yes! Use a muffin tin with liners and bake for about 20–22 minutes.
Sweet, Creamy, and Comfortingly Autumnal
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together everything we love about fall—warm spices, crisp apples, creamy cheesecake, and rich caramel. They’re elegant enough for the holidays yet simple enough for a weekday treat. Once you taste that perfect balance of textures and flavors, you’ll understand why this recipe is destined to become a yearly favorite.
