How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Introduction

Caramel apple cheesecake bars combine the warm, spiced sweetness of baked apples with a rich, creamy cheesecake layer, all set atop a buttery crust. This dessert bar recipe brings together the best of two classic treats—apple pie and cheesecake—into one easy-to-serve square. Each bite offers tender apple pieces simmered in cinnamon and brown sugar, a smooth cheesecake filling, and a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.

These bars shine as a fall baking treat but work just as well year-round whenever you crave a crowd-pleasing dessert. Despite their impressive appearance, they come together with simple pantry staples and straightforward steps. You’ll press a shortbread—or graham cracker—crust into your baking pan, layer on a velvety cheesecake mixture, top with cinnamon-spiced apples, and finish with a sprinkle of brown sugar streusel before baking until perfectly set.

Key Benefits

Making these caramel apple cheesecake bars brings together the best features of both cheesecake and apple desserts in one easy-to-handle treat. First, you can whip up the entire recipe in under an hour, from mixing the crust to drizzling on caramel, so it’s perfect for a last-minute fall dessert or an impromptu gathering.

These bars deliver crowd-pleasing appeal every time. The creamy cheesecake layer pairs with tender apple pieces and a sweet streusel topping, creating a blend of textures and flavors that both kids and adults rave about. They work wonderfully as a make-ahead dessert: bake them the night before, refrigerate in an airtight container, and simply slice and serve when guests arrive.

Meal-prep friendly bars mean you can portion out your week’s treats with ease. Each serving travels well in a lunchbox or picnic basket, making these bars a versatile snack for work, school, or car rides. For those who need a gluten-free option, swapping to a gluten-free graham or shortbread crust keeps the recipe accessible without sacrificing taste or texture.

Finally, these bars shine as a fall dessert idea, capturing classic apple pie flavors in a handheld form. Whether you’re cozying up at home or sharing at a potluck, the combination of cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy cheesecake filling, and rich caramel drizzle offers the ultimate seasonal indulgence.

Ingredients

Below is a clear, organized list of everything you’ll need to make these irresistible caramel apple cheesecake bars. Quantities are based on a standard 9×9-inch baking pan.

Crust Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs.
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients

• 450 g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature for a silky batter.
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sour cream (or heavy cream)

Apple Layer Ingredients

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp).
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Streusel Topping Ingredients

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Homemade Caramel Sauce (Optional, for drizzling)

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

Follow these clear, step-by-step directions to build your caramel apple cheesecake bars layer by layer. Gather your tools—a 9×9-inch baking pan, mixer (hand or stand), small and medium bowls, spatula, knife, and cutting board—before you begin to keep the process smooth.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C (350 °F) and position the rack in the center slot.
2. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang on two sides. Lightly grease the parchment to ensure easy removal of the bars.

Step 2: Make the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, stir together 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or finely crushed shortbread), ¼ cup brown sugar, and 6 tbsp melted butter until the mixture holds together when pressed.
2. Transfer the crumb mixture into the prepared pan. Use the bottom of a flat glass press the crust into an even layer.

Step 3: Partially Bake the Crust

1. Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes, or until it just begins to set and turn golden at the edges.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly on a cooling rack while you prepare the filling.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

1. In the mixer bowl, beat 16 oz (450 g) room-temperature cream cheese until smooth, about 1 minute.
2. Add ½ cup sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla, then blend it all together until it’s mixed in well.
3. Scrape the bowl, then crack in the eggs one by one, giving it a quick mix after each.
4. Stir in ¼ cup sour cream (or heavy cream) and 1 tsp cinnamon; mix until the cheesecake filling is silky and lump-free.

Step 5: Prep the Apples

1. Peel, core, and dice 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best).
2. Toss the apple pieces in a small bowl with 1 tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until evenly coated.

Step 6: Assemble Layers

1. Pour the cheesecake filling onto the warm crust and smooth the surface with a spatula.
2. Scatter the seasoned apple pieces evenly over the filling, pressing them in slightly so they nestle into the creamy layer.

Step 7: Add Streusel Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine ⅓ cup all-purpose flour, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 3 tbsp cold butter cubes, and ½ tsp cinnamon.
2. Use fingertips to blend butter into dry mix until coarse crumbs form.
3. Evenly sprinkle streusel over apples and cheesecake.

Step 8: Bake Until Set

1. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set at the edges and the center jiggles only slightly when gently shaken.
2. If the topping browns too quickly, tent with a sheet of foil halfway through baking.

Step 9: Cool and Chill

1. Remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack until they reach room temperature, approximately 1 hour.
2. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours—or preferably overnight—so the filling firms up fully.

Step 10: Drizzle with Caramel and Serve

1. Heat ½ cup of caramel sauce—homemade or store-bought—in a small pan on low until it’s easy to pour.
2. Lift the chilled cheesecake slab from the pan using the parchment overhang.Put it on a cutting board and slice it into 12 even pieces.
3. Drizzle each bar with warm caramel sauce just before serving for that signature salted caramel apple cheesecake bars finish.

Pro Tips and Variations

Pro Tips for Perfect Bars

• Chill the Pan
  After pressing the crust into the baking pan, pop it into the fridge for 10 minutes. That bit of extra chill helps the crust hold its shape and prevents crumbs from mixing into the cheesecake layer.
• Soften Cream Cheese Quickly
  Allow the cream cheese to sit on the counter for about 30 minutes so it blends into a silky-smooth filling without any lumps
• Even Apple Slices
  Cut apples into uniform slices or small cubes. Consistent pieces bake at the same rate and give each bite the right balance of apple layer and creamy cheesecake filling.
• Check for Just-Right Set
  The cheesecake layer is ready when its edges pull away slightly from the pan and the center still trembles with a gentle wobble
• Use a Water Bath for Creaminess
  If you want ultra-smooth, crack-free cheesecake bars, set the baking pan inside a larger roasting pan. Pour boiling water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides. The steam keeps the cheesecake layer moist.

Delicious Variations

• Brown Sugar Streusel Topping
  For added crunch, sprinkle a streusel made by mixing brown sugar, all-purpose flour, cold cubed butter, and a dash of cinnamon until chunky crumbs form
• Spiced Apple Twist
  Stir cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of cloves into the apple layer. This spiced apple variation adds warmth and depth, perfect for cool weather or holiday gatherings.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle
  Right before serving, pour a drizzle of salted caramel over the bars to introduce a savory note that heightens the sweet flavors
• Gluten-Free Crust Swap
  Replace graham cracker crumbs with a gluten-free cookie crumb or almond flour crust. The texture changes slightly, but the flavor stays rich and buttery for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade
  Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into your streusel or sprinkle them atop the cooled bars. The nut topping adds a toasty note and extra texture.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Swap
  Replace regular cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for an equally rich, vegan-friendly version

Serving Suggestions

Give your caramel apple cheesecake bars a standout finish with creative toppings and flavor combos. These ideas help you present each bar beautifully while highlighting its creamy cheesecake filling, tender apple layer, and rich caramel notes.

Drizzle and Garnish

• A shiny caramel drizzle not only catches the eye but also delivers a delightful sweet-and-salty twist.
• Top with whipped cream
  Pipe or dollop a swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream on each bar. The airy cream softens each bite and balances the density of the cheesecake layer.
• Sprinkle fresh apple slices
  Add thin fan-cut slices of crisp apple—such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith—on top. Their bright crunch offers a fresh contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling.
• Garnish with mint sprigs
  A small mint leaf or sprig adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. Tuck a sprig beside the whipped cream or lightly press a leaf into the caramel drizzle.

Temperature and Texture

• Serve warm or chilled
  • Warm: Microwave individual bars for 8–10 seconds to soften the filling and melt the caramel drizzle into the cheesecake layer. Warm bars feel extra cozy on a cool evening.
  • Chilled: Enjoy straight from the refrigerator for firmer slices with clean edges. Chilled bars hold their shape well for easy transport and make-ahead dessert needs.

Perfect Pairings

• With vanilla ice cream
  A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream enhances the bars’ comforting spices and caramel flavors. Serve ice cream on the side or scoop it atop a slightly warm bar for melty goodness.
• Alongside hot beverages
  Pair bars with a freshly brewed coffee, a spiced chai latte, or a steamy cup of tea. The warm drink accentuates the cinnamon and nutmeg in the streusel topping.
• As part of an apple crisp flair
  Combine a small portion of warm apple crisp alongside the cheesecake bars on a shared platter. Guests can mix and match, creating dynamic bites that highlight both textures.

Presentation Tips

• Use a simple white platter
  A clean white serving dish lets the golden crust, red-tinged apples, and caramel swirl stand out.
• Dip your knife in warm water and dry it between slices for clean, precise edges.
• Dust a fine layer of powdered sugar over the bars right before plating for a bakery-fresh look.

By applying these serving suggestions, you’ll turn every slice of caramel apple cheesecake bar into an irresistible centerpiece—perfect for entertaining or a cozy family treat.

Conclusion

These caramel apple cheesecake bars start with a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and tender cinnamon-spiced apple topping, finished with a sweet caramel drizzle that brings every element together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re baking for a crisp autumn gathering, a cozy dessert night, or as a delightful make-ahead treat, these bars deliver crowd-pleasing flavor and effortless slice-and-serve convenience. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly for up to three months and thaw in the fridge before serving for an on-demand sweet treat.

To serve, remove chilled bars from the fridge about 15 minutes before enjoying to let the flavors mellow, or warm briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive a soft, gooey center—either way, topping with a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of reserved caramel sauce takes them to the next level. We hope you love making, sharing, and savoring these best-ever caramel apple cheesecake bars as much as we do—happy baking!

Jump to Recipe

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in caramel apple cheesecake bars with layers of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping—perfect for fall gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 37 minutes mins

Total Time 57 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 24 bars

Calories 196 kcal

Ingredients

  

Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces

Filling & Topping:

• 2 8 oz packages cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup Marzetti’s
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and chopped into ¼″ pieces

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 350 °F and grease a 9×13″ pan.
• Make crust: In a bowl, stir flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into pan and bake 10–12 min until lightly golden.
• Prepare filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add caramel dip, flour, egg, and vanilla; mix just until blended.
• Pour filling over warm crust. Distribute apple pieces evenly, gently pressing them into the cheesecake layer.
• Bake 20–25 min until the center is set. Cool to room temperature, then cover and chill until firm.
• Before serving, spread remaining caramel dip over the top, slice into bars, and enjoy.

Notes

• Apple Selection: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the dessert’s sweetness and maintain a firm texture during baking.​
• Cream Cheese Preparation: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.​
• Preventing Apple Browning: After chopping, toss apples with cinnamon and sugar promptly to prevent oxidation and browning.

FAQs

Below are answers to common questions about storing, freezing, choosing apples, make-ahead tips, crust care, and slicing your caramel apple cheesecake bars.