Autumn is here, and with it comes all the cozy flavors we love—crisp apples, buttery caramel, and rich, creamy cheesecake. Enter Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, a dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall in every bite. These bars are not just dessert—they’re a celebration of the season, combining tart Granny Smith apples, velvety cheesecake, sweet caramel, and a crumbly streusel topping for the ultimate indulgence.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, bringing a dessert to a potluck, or just craving a sweet seasonal treat, these bars are a surefire hit. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cheesecake layer, and a luscious apple topping finished with homemade caramel, every bite is a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and decadent.
Let’s explore why these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are destined to become your new fall favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fall Flavors in Every Bite: Apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, caramel, and cheesecake—everything we love about autumn in one dessert.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Easy to cut into squares, making them perfect for sharing at gatherings.
- Layered Textures: Crunchy crust, creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and crumbly streusel—each bite is a delight.
- Homemade Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel for a restaurant-quality touch without leaving your kitchen.
- Customizable: Swap apple varieties, nuts, or add a splash of bourbon to the caramel for extra depth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s the exact ingredient list, organized by component for clarity.
Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Layer:
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Yield: 16 bars
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert, Snack
Tools & Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Saucepan (for caramel)
- Knife and cutting board
- Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps carefully to create these decadent bars.
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly while preparing the cheesecake layer.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
4. Make the Apple Layer
Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
5. Create the Streusel Topping
In a bowl, mix flour and brown sugar, then cut in cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans if using. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
6. Bake the Bars
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, until the streusel is golden brown and the cheesecake is set. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set fully.
7. Make the Caramel Sauce
In a saucepan, combine sugar and water over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Increase heat to medium-high and cook without stirring until the mixture turns amber (8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream (it will bubble vigorously). Stir in butter and salt until smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
8. Serve
Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with warm caramel sauce just before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Perfect Crust: Pre-bake for 10 minutes to avoid a soggy bottom.
- Smooth Cheesecake: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.
- Apple Variety: Granny Smith apples are ideal for tartness, but Honeycrisp or Braeburn work well too.
- Caramel Sauce: Watch closely to prevent burning; store-bought caramel is a convenient substitute.
- Storage: Keep chilled in the fridge up to 5 days. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor.
Flavor Profile & Pairings
Taste & Texture:
- Flavor: Sweet caramel, tangy apples, creamy cheesecake, and a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Texture: Crisp crust, smooth cheesecake, tender apples, and crunchy streusel.
Suggested Drink Pairings:
- Wine: Late harvest Riesling, Moscato, or Chardonnay
- Non-Alcoholic: Apple cider, chai latte, or spiced sparkling water
Side Dish Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Spiced nuts or candied pecans
- Coffee or pumpkin spice latte
Nutritional Overview
Per Serving (1 bar):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Sugars: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 120mg
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian-friendly, nut-free if pecans are omitted, contains dairy and eggs.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Crust & Cheesecake: Can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Apple Layer: Prepare and refrigerate separately if needed, but best fresh.
- Caramel Sauce: Can be made 1–2 days in advance; rewarm gently before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 5 days.
FAQs
1. Can I use other apple varieties?
Yes! Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples work, but Granny Smith provide the ideal tart balance.
2. Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the pecans in the streusel topping.
3. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
4. How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Avoid overmixing the batter and bake in the middle of the oven. Cooling gradually also helps.
5. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, a good quality caramel sauce saves time, though homemade is richer and fresher.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep | 30 min |
| Bake | 45–50 min |
| Chilling | 2 hrs |
| Total | 3 hrs 15 min |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled with a drizzle of warm caramel.
- Pair with coffee, cider, or dessert wine.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Recipe Variations
- Bourbon Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Add 1 tbsp bourbon to the caramel sauce for extra depth.
- Mini Bars: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats.
- Cranberry Apple Bars: Add ½ cup fresh cranberries to the apple layer for tart bursts.
- Spiced Streusel: Add ginger or allspice to the streusel for extra warmth.
Ingredient Spotlight
Granny Smith Apples:
- Tart, firm, and ideal for baking
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 weeks
- Peel and dice evenly for consistent texture
Cream Cheese:
- Use full-fat for a smooth, rich cheesecake layer
- Room temperature for best mixing
Pro Cooking Tips
- Streusel: Keep butter cold for the crumbliest topping
- Cheesecake: Beat cream cheese until fully smooth to avoid lumps
- Caramel: Use a candy thermometer if unsure; 340°F is perfect
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Individually wrap and freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in fridge
- Caramel Sauce: Store separately in fridge; reheat gently
Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 43g |
| Sugars | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 120mg |
Expanded Conclusion
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate autumn indulgence: rich, creamy, sweet, and perfectly balanced with tart apples and buttery streusel. They’re simple enough for home bakers but impressive enough for parties or holiday gatherings.
Once you bake these bars, expect them to vanish quickly. Keep some in the fridge for yourself and don’t forget to drizzle that luscious caramel sauce right before serving—it’s the cherry on top of this fall dessert favorite.
Cozy up, grab a cup of cider or coffee, and treat yourself to these layers of fall magic. You’ll be making them again and again, guaranteed!
Print
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of fall flavors, combining the richness of cheesecake with the tartness of apples and the sweetness of caramel. Ideal for autumn gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat for your family.
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients
- Crust: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup unsalted butter melted, ¼ cup granulated sugar, ¼ tsp cinnamon
- Cheesecake Layer: 16 oz cream cheese softened, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Apple Layer: 3 medium Granny Smith apples peeled and diced, 2 tbsp lemon juice, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Streusel Topping: ½ cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed, ¼ cup chopped pecans optional
- Caramel Sauce: 1 cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup water, ½ cup heavy cream, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix crust ingredients, press into pan, bake 10 minutes, let cool.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Pour over cooled crust.
- Toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg; spread over cheesecake layer.
- Mix streusel ingredients, sprinkle over apples.
- Bake 45-50 minutes until streusel is golden and cheesecake is set. Cool completely, then refrigerate 2 hours.
- Make caramel sauce: combine sugar and water, cook until amber, whisk in cream, butter, salt. Let cool slightly.
- Cut bars into squares, drizzle with caramel before serving.
Notes
- Pre-bake crust for extra crispiness.
- Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer.
- Use Granny Smith apples for balanced tartness, or mix varieties.
- Watch caramel carefully to avoid burning; store-bought sauce works too.
- Serve chilled; can store in refrigerator up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
