Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce.

These bars offer all the flavors of classic cheesecake and caramel apples in an easy-to-make, sliceable treat. Perfect for fall, holidays, or anytime you crave a rich and decadent dessert!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Ingredients Overview

• Graham cracker crust: A buttery, slightly crunchy base that supports the creamy layers.
• Cheesecake filling: A smooth, rich layer of cream cheese and sugar.
• Apple layer: Fresh apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg for warm flavor.
• Streusel topping: A crumbly, buttery topping that adds texture.
• Caramel sauce: The finishing touch for extra indulgence.

Ingredients

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the Apple Layer

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Drizzle

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well, then press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
   • Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool while preparing the filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
   • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
3. Prepare the Apple Layer
   • In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
   • Evenly distribute the spiced apples over the cheesecake layer.
4. Make the Streusel Topping
   • In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
   • Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
5. Bake the Bars
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel topping is golden brown.
   • Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
6. Add the Caramel Drizzle
   • Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Chill Time

2 hours

Total Time

3 hours

Nutrition (per serving, ~12 servings)

• Calories: ~320
• Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Protein: ~5g

Expert Tips

• Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples balance the sweetness and hold their shape during baking.
• Chill Before Slicing: Refrigerating for at least 2 hours makes it easier to cut clean bars.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare a day ahead and store in the fridge until ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I make this without a graham cracker crust?
Yes! Substitute with crushed vanilla wafers, digestive biscuits, or a shortbread crust.

How long do these bars last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes! Freeze without the caramel drizzle in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw and drizzle with caramel before serving.

Substitutions & Variations

• Nut-Free: Omit oats from the streusel and use extra flour.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - 9x13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• - Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

  

• #### **For the Crust**
• - 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• - 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• #### **For the Cheesecake Filling**
• - 16 oz 2 blocks cream cheese, softened
• - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• - 2 large eggs
• #### **For the Apple Layer**
• - 2 medium apples peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• - 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• #### **For the Streusel Topping**
• - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• - 1/2 cup rolled oats
• - 1/3 cup brown sugar
• - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• #### **For the Caramel Drizzle**
• - 1/2 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the Crust**
• - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• - In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well, then press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
• - Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool while preparing the filling.
• **Make the Cheesecake Layer**
• - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
• - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• - Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
• **Prepare the Apple Layer**
• - In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• - Evenly distribute the spiced apples over the cheesecake layer.
• **Make the Streusel Topping**
• - In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until crumbly.
• - Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
• **Bake the Bars**
• - Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel topping is golden brown.
• - Remove from oven and let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
• **Add the Caramel Drizzle**
• - Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce for the perfect finishing touch.