Warm, creamy, and layered with fall flavor—these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are everything cozy baking should be. A buttery graham crust, velvety cheesecake, spiced apples, and crumbly streusel all meet under a drizzle of golden caramel. Each bite feels like a trip to a fall fair, no matter the season.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love apple pie and cheesecake, this recipe brings both worlds together.
• Perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and gooey textures
• Homemade caramel adds deep, buttery flavor
• Easy to bake in one pan—great for sharing
• Balanced sweetness with warm spices
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead dessert planning
• Smells incredible while baking
I remember making caramel apples with my mom’s food truck in Austin. That smell of brown sugar and butter filled the air, and now these cheesecake bars bring me right back—only creamier and more decadent.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll build this dessert in layers: crust, cheesecake, apples, streusel, and caramel.
For The Crust:
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (classic cheesecake base)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (for binding and flavor)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (light sweetness)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (for warmth)
For The Cheesecake Layer:
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (main creamy component)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (sweet balance)
• 2 large eggs (for structure)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (enhances flavor)
For The Apple Layer:
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (tart contrast)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (keeps apples bright)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (caramel flavor)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (warm spice note)
• ¼ tsp nutmeg (depth and aroma)
For The Streusel Topping:
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (base for crumble)
• ¼ cup brown sugar (sweetness and texture)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (crispy topping)
• ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)
For The Caramel Sauce:
• 1 cup granulated sugar (base for caramelization)
• ¼ cup water (helps sugar dissolve)
• ½ cup heavy cream (rich finish)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (smooth texture)
• ¼ tsp salt (balances sweetness)
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes:
• Substitute shortbread crust for extra crispness
• Swap pecans for walnuts
• Add a dash of sea salt for salted caramel flavor
• Use store-bought caramel to save time
• Try Honeycrisp apples for natural sweetness
• Add a sprinkle of oats to streusel for texture
Step-By-Step Instructions
This recipe bakes in layers for the perfect flavor and texture balance.
- Preheat oven. Heat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. (Jake tip: overhang edges for easy lifting later.)
- Make the crust. Combine graham crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press firmly into pan. Bake 8–10 minutes. Cool slightly.
- Prepare cheesecake layer. Beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs until smooth. Pour over cooled crust.
- Make apple layer. Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cheesecake.
- Mix streusel topping. Combine flour, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Add pecans if desired. Sprinkle over apple layer.
- Bake. Bake for 35–40 minutes until center is set and top is golden. Cool completely.
- Make caramel sauce. Heat sugar and water in saucepan over medium heat, without stirring, until golden amber. Slowly whisk in cream, butter, and salt. Cool slightly before drizzling.
- Assemble. Cut bars and drizzle each with caramel before serving.
Quick reminders:
• Don’t overbake—the center should jiggle slightly.
• Cool fully before cutting to avoid cracks.
• Use tart apples for balance.
• Make caramel last so it stays pourable.
Expert Tips For Success
• Room-temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth filling.
• Dice apples evenly for consistent baking.
• Keep caramel on medium heat—too hot burns quickly.
• Bake crust slightly before adding filling to prevent sogginess.
• Chill bars before slicing for cleaner cuts.
• Add caramel right before serving for shine and freshness.
• Serve warm or chilled—it’s delicious both ways.
A perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and spiced apple crumble—these bars are irresistible from the first forkful.
Serving Suggestions
These bars fit any occasion—from cozy fall nights to weekend gatherings.
• Top with vanilla ice cream for a caramel apple sundae vibe
• Serve with Dirty Snowman Mocktail for a rich, creamy drink pairing
• Add a dusting of cinnamon before plating
• Perfect alongside Vanilla French Beignets at brunch
• Great addition to dessert tables with Churro Cheesecake Bars
• Wrap and gift during the holidays for homemade charm
It’s a dessert that feels fancy but comes from simple, honest ingredients.
Storing And Reheating
These cheesecake bars store beautifully and taste even better the next day.
How to Store It:
• Keep covered in the fridge up to 5 days
• Layer parchment between bars to prevent sticking
• Freeze for up to 2 months without caramel drizzle
• Add caramel after thawing for best texture
• Store caramel sauce separately in a jar
How to Reheat It:
• For warm bars, microwave 15–20 seconds per slice
• Or warm in oven at 300°F for 8 minutes
• Reheat caramel gently until pourable
• Avoid overheating to keep texture intact
• Serve warm or room temperature—it’s perfect both ways
These bars keep their flavor and texture, whether fresh-baked or chilled for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add caramel right before serving.
What apples work best?
Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps—they hold shape and balance sweetness perfectly.
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Absolutely—it saves time while keeping the flavor delicious.
Final Thoughts
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring the comfort of homemade pie and the richness of cheesecake together in one bite. They’re buttery, spiced, and smooth—a dessert worth savoring slowly.
• Don’t rush the chill time—it makes all the difference
• Use fresh apples for the best flavor
• Always finish with that golden caramel drizzle
If you love layered desserts, you’ll also enjoy my Strawberry Cheesecake Dump Cake, Biscoff Tiramisu, or Neiman Marcus Cookies for another slice of homemade comfort.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 0.25 cup sugar, 0.25 tsp cinnamon, and melted butter. Press firmly into the pan. Bake 8–10 minutes and let cool.
- Beat cream cheese, 0.5 cup sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over cooled crust.
- Toss apples with lemon juice, 0.25 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Combine streusel flour, 0.25 cup brown sugar, cold cubed butter, and pecans until crumbly. Sprinkle over apple layer.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes until center is set and top is golden. Cool completely.
- In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until golden amber without stirring. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, butter, and salt. Cool slightly, then drizzle over bars.
- Cut into bars and serve with caramel drizzle.
Nutrition
Notes
- For a salted caramel variation, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt before serving.
- Use Honeycrisp apples for natural sweetness.
- Chill completely before cutting for cleaner bars.
