Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

The Ultimate Fall Dessert: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Fall is the season for cozy flavors, and these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars perfectly capture the essence of autumn. With the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, the tartness of Granny Smith apples, and the rich creaminess of cheesecake, this dessert strikes a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, planning a Thanksgiving dessert spread, or just indulging in a weekend treat, these bars are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect Flavor Balance: Sweet caramel, tart apples, creamy cheesecake, and a buttery crust.
2. Great for Gatherings: Easy to slice into individual servings for potlucks or parties.
3. Customizable: Swap apples for pears, add walnuts to the streusel, or drizzle with chocolate for a twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crust

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sturdy base for all the layers.
• Unsalted Butter: Holds the crust together.
• Cinnamon: Adds warmth to the crust.

Cheesecake Filling

• Cream Cheese: The creamy heart of the dessert.
• Eggs: Provides structure to the cheesecake layer.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor.

Apple Layer

• Granny Smith Apples: Tartness balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic fall spices.

Streusel Topping

• Cold Butter: Essential for a crumbly texture.
• Brown Sugar & Pecans: Adds sweetness and crunch.

Caramel Sauce

• Granulated Sugar & Heavy Cream: For a luscious, homemade caramel.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Press into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan.
4. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.

2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and spread evenly over the cooled crust.

3. Create the Apple Layer

1. Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Spread the apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.

4. Assemble the Streusel Topping

1. Mix flour and brown sugar.
2. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Stir in chopped pecans (if using).
4. Sprinkle over the apple layer.

5. Bake and Cool

1. Bake for 45–50 minutes until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set.
2. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

6. Make the Caramel Sauce

1. Heat sugar and water over medium heat until amber-colored.
2. Carefully whisk in heavy cream and stir in butter and salt.

7. Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the chilled bars into squares.
2. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensures a smooth cheesecake filling.
• Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smiths hold their shape and provide the perfect tartness.
• Perfect Your Caramel: Watch it closely as it can burn quickly.

Storage Tips

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well—wrap them individually for an easy dessert later!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

The perfect fall dessert with a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and crumbly streusel, all drizzled with caramel sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

2 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Ingredients

  

• For the Crust:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup unsalted butter melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• For the Cheesecake Layer:
• 16 oz cream cheese softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Apple Layer:
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• For the Streusel Topping:
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
• ¼ cup chopped pecans optional
• For the Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

 

• Make the Crust
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
• Press into a 9x13-inch pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
• Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
• Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
• Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
• Pour over the crust.
• Apple Layer
• Toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Spread over the cheesecake layer.
• Streusel Topping
• Mix flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter and add pecans.
• Sprinkle over apples.
• Bake and Cool
• Bake for 45–50 minutes. Cool, then chill for 2 hours.
• Caramel Sauce
• Heat sugar and water until amber-colored.
• Whisk in cream, then stir in butter and salt.
• Serve
• Slice bars and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.