Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars You’ll Want to Make All Season Recipe

Introduction

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together the best flavors of fall in one delicious dessert. With layers of creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy oat streusel, these bars are perfect for any occasion. Drizzled with caramel, they’re irresistible and easy to make ahead.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for crust)
• ½ cup brown sugar (for crust)
• 2 cups flour (for crust)
• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup sugar (for cheesecake filling)
• 3 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely diced
• 2 tablespoons sugar (for spiced apples)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened (for streusel)
• 1 cup brown sugar (for streusel)
• 1 cup flour (for streusel)
• ½ cup quick oats
• Caramel sauce for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Make the crust by mixing the flour, brown sugar, and softened butter in a stand mixer until crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 14–16 minutes until lightly golden. Allow it to cool completely.
3. Step 3: Prepare the cheesecake filling. Beat the cream cheese in a mixer until smooth, about 1 minute. Add the sugar and mix again, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, beating until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust.
5. Step 5: Peel and dice the apples. Toss them in a large bowl with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
6. Step 6: To make the streusel topping, combine softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and oats until crumbly. Sprinkle this evenly over the apples.
7. Step 7: Bake the bars for 40–45 minutes, until the filling is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center.
8. Step 8: Let the bars cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and clean slices.
9. Step 9: Before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast, or mix in sweeter apple varieties for a balanced flavor.
• For extra spice, add a pinch of cloves or ginger to the apple mixture.
• You can prepare the bars a day ahead and refrigerate overnight to make slicing easier and enhance the flavors.
• Try topping the bars with chopped nuts for added crunch before baking.
• Use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or make your own homemade caramel for a richer taste.

Storage

Store the caramel apple cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Reheat briefly in the microwave if you prefer them warm, then add fresh caramel drizzle.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any firm apple you like. Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness, but Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples also work well.

Do I have to use parchment paper in the baking dish?

While parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes removing the bars easier, you can also grease the pan thoroughly if you don’t have parchment on hand.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars You’ll Want to Make All Season Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 315 reviews

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars blend the cozy flavors of fall in an indulgent, easy-to-make layered dessert. Featuring a buttery flour crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy oat streusel topping, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or any autumn treat. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prep ahead and impress your crowd with every rich, flavorful bite.

• Author: Lily
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Cheesecake Filling

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Spiced Apples

• 3 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup quick oats

To Serve

• Caramel sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat oven & Prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
2. Make the crust: In a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and flour, mixing until the mixture becomes crumbly. Evenly press this mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: Using a stand mixer, whip the softened cream cheese for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add in the granulated sugar and continue mixing until fully combined, scraping the bowl sides as needed. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is smooth. Pour this cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust layer.
4. Prepare the spiced apples: Peel and finely dice the Granny Smith apples. In a large bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly coat. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling.
5. Make the streusel topping: Either by hand or with a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and quick oats until the mixture forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
6. Bake the bars: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center and the streusel topping turns golden brown.
7. Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. For best results, refrigerate overnight to allow flavors to meld and to achieve clean slicing.
8. Serve with caramel drizzle: Before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Cut into squares and enjoy your rich, creamy, and crunchy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for tartness that balances the sweetness of caramel and cheesecake.
• Allow the crust to cool fully before adding cheesecake filling to prevent mixing layers.
• Refrigerating overnight sharpens flavors and firms the bars for neater slices.
• You can prepare the crust and cheesecake filling a day ahead to save time on baking day.
• If caramel sauce is not homemade, choose a high-quality store-bought version for best flavor.
• Make sure not to overbake; the slight jiggle in the cheesecake indicates perfect doneness to maintain creaminess.

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple dessert, fall baking, cheesecake bars, apple crisp cheesecake, autumn dessert, easy cheesecake recipe