Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

There’s something magical about the first chill of autumn — that moment when the air smells like apples and cinnamon, and your kitchen suddenly feels like the coziest place on earth. That’s exactly when I make my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Imagine layers of buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake, tender cinnamon-sugar apples, and a drizzle of golden caramel that catches the light just right. These bars have the soul of a caramel apple and the heart of a classic cheesecake — portable, shareable, and easier than pie.

This recipe was born one fall when I needed a dessert that looked impressive but traveled well. I took my grandmother’s apple crisp topping, married it with my favorite cheesecake filling, and tucked it all into a graham cracker base. The result? The perfect Thanksgiving or fall dessert that never makes it home from the party.

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

• Layered perfection: Crunchy graham crust, smooth cheesecake, tender apples, and crumbly topping.
• Easy but impressive: No water bath, no cracking — just creamy, foolproof cheesecake.
• Perfect for fall gatherings: Great for Thanksgiving potlucks or cozy family weekends.
• Portable and giftable: Cut into squares, drizzle with caramel, and wrap for dessert boxes.
• Flexible: Make with any apples you love — Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji all work beautifully.
• Crowd favorite: Think apple crisp meets cheesecake — irresistible every time.

For other cozy cookie-bar ideas, discover my Banana Bread Cookies or try the sweet-and-salty perfection of No-Bake Salted Caramel Cookies.

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 2 cups (200 g) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Apple Layer:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 2 cups)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50 g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (25 g) rolled oats
• 1/4 cup (60 g) cold butter, cubed

For the Caramel Drizzle:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Press into the pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. Prepare cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugars, eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice. Mix until creamy and lump-free. Pour over cooled crust.
4. Cook the apples: In a skillet, melt butter. Add chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Cool slightly.
5. Add apples: Evenly spoon the cooked apples over the cheesecake layer.
6. Make crumb topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
7. Bake: Bake 35–40 minutes or until center is set and topping is golden.
8. Cool: Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight).
9. Serve: Drizzle with caramel just before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy chilled or at room temp.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These bars were made for cozy gatherings. I love serving them chilled — that way, the caramel sets beautifully, the cheesecake holds firm, and the layers stay distinct. For a bakery-style look, drizzle caramel in a crosshatch pattern and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

If you’re planning a dessert table, stack them on a wooden board next to apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and a bowl of warm caramel for dipping. They also pair perfectly with vanilla ice cream — the cold creaminess melts right into the buttery crust and sweet apples.

Hosting a Healthy Thanksgiving Desserts spread? Cut them into smaller 2-inch squares for bite-sized indulgence. They’re rich, so smaller pieces still satisfy.

And if you’re gifting treats this season, wrap two or three bars in parchment and tie with twine. They hold up well at room temperature for up to a day — ideal for neighbor gifts or bake sales.

For more autumn flavor inspiration, check out my Apple Cider Cookies and cozy Pumpkin Pie Cookies.

How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze uncut bars. Wrap the whole slab tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before slicing.

Room Temperature (Short-Term):
If serving the same day, bars can sit at room temp for up to 4 hours — perfect for parties or potlucks.

Pro Tip:
Always add the caramel drizzle just before serving. If added too soon, it can absorb moisture and dull the topping’s shine.

Gifting Tip:
Chill bars before wrapping. Use parchment to keep layers neat and avoid smudging the caramel.

Tips to Make Perfect Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

1. Use full-fat cream cheese: It ensures a rich, creamy filling.
2. Room temperature ingredients: Prevent lumps in your cheesecake batter.
3. Don’t overbake: Bake until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly. It’ll firm as it cools.
4. Cool completely before chilling: Prevents condensation and soggy crust.
5. Homemade caramel bonus: Stir 1/2 teaspoon sea salt into caramel sauce for a salted twist.
6. Apple choice matters: Honeycrisp adds sweetness, Granny Smith adds tart contrast. A mix is best!
7. Add a nutty crunch: Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped pecans over the crumb topping.
8. Crumb topping shortcut: Use granola or crushed shortbread cookies for a faster topping.
9. Healthier twist: Swap 1/4 cup of cream cheese with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat butter.

Variations of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

• Nutella Drizzle: Replace caramel with warmed Nutella for a chocolate-hazelnut twist.
• Oreo Cheesecake Bars: Fold 1 cup crushed Oreos into the cheesecake layer before baking.
• Crisp-Style Bars: Double the crumb topping for an apple crisp texture.
• Peanut Butter Swirl: Add 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter to the cheesecake layer.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free graham crackers and oat flour in the topping.
• Mini Bar Bites: Bake in a muffin pan lined with paper cups — perfect for parties.
• Healthier Take: Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar and reduced-fat cream cheese.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If fall had a flavor, this would be it — creamy, buttery, apple-spiced perfection with that signature caramel glow. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the comfort of apple crisp with the luxury of cheesecake, in one easy pan. Whether you serve them at Thanksgiving, gift them to neighbors, or stash a few squares for yourself, they’re guaranteed to bring joy to your table.

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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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• Author: Rosie
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with buttery graham cracker crust, cinnamon apples, crumb topping, and caramel drizzle.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 2 cups chopped apples
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup crumb topping (flour, oats, brown sugar, butter)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 pan with parchment.

2. Mix crust ingredients and press into pan; bake 8 minutes.

3. Beat cream cheese, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice until smooth.

4. Pour cheesecake batter over crust.

5. Cook apples with butter, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until tender.

6. Spoon apples over cheesecake layer.

7. Add crumb topping and bake 35–40 minutes.

8. Cool completely, chill 3 hours, drizzle with caramel, and cut into squares.

Notes

Use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for best flavor.

Add sea salt to caramel for a salted twist.

Store chilled up to 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 65mg