Rich, creamy, and loaded with warm fall flavors, Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together buttery shortbread crust, smooth cheesecake, spiced apples, and a crumbly oat streusel—all finished with a generous caramel drizzle. Whether you’re planning a holiday gathering or just craving something cozy and sweet, these dessert bars deliver bakery-quality taste in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Multi-layered flavor: Buttery crust, tangy cheesecake, tart apples, and sweet caramel.
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Perfect for holidays or potlucks—feeds a crowd and travels well.
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Make-ahead friendly and easy to slice for serving.
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Shortbread Crust:
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2 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base layer for a firm, buttery crust.
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½ cup light brown sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor to the crust.
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12 tablespoons cold butter, cubed – Provides richness and structure when cut into the flour mixture.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened – The star ingredient that creates a smooth and creamy middle layer.
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½ cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake layer without overpowering it.
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor and warmth of the filling.
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2 large eggs – Help bind and set the cheesecake during baking.
For the Apple Layer:
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3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped – Their tart flavor balances the sweetness and holds up well when baked.
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar – Sweetens the apples just enough without making them too sugary.
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds classic warm spice flavor.
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon with a deeper, earthier spice.
For the Streusel Topping:
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¾ cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the crumb topping.
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¾ cup light brown sugar – Provides sweetness and a subtle molasses depth.
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½ cup quick oats – Adds texture and a rustic crunch to the streusel.
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5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed – Ensures the topping bakes into golden, buttery crumbles.
For the Drizzle:
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Caramel syrup or sauce – Adds the final touch of indulgence and enhances the apple-cinnamon flavor combination.
Tips and Tricks
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Use cold butter for both crust and streusel to ensure a crumbly texture.
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Chop apples finely so they bake evenly and integrate into the cheesecake.
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Room temp cream cheese blends more easily for a smooth filling.
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Want more crunch? Add chopped pecans to the streusel.
Variations and Customizations
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Apple pie bars: Skip the cheesecake layer and double the apples for a classic fruit bar.
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Salted caramel version: Use salted caramel sauce for extra depth.
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Mini bars: Use a muffin tin for individual cheesecake bites.
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Add spice: Stir a pinch of allspice or cloves into the apple mixture for a deeper autumn flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
These dessert bars pair beautifully with cozy seasonal beverages or light snacks:
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Drinks: Apple cider, chai latte, or vanilla bean coffee
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Savory snacks: Cheese platter, spiced nuts, or a charcuterie board
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After dinner: Serve with vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream
Storage Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
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Reheat: Enjoy cold or slightly warmed in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Popular Questions
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! While Granny Smith adds tartness, Honeycrisp or Fuji work for a sweeter twist.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the skins on for added fiber and color.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars taste even better the next day after chilling in the fridge overnight.
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How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-baking the crust is essential. Make sure it’s lightly golden before adding the filling.
Print
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – Creamy cheesecake meets spiced apples on a buttery shortbread crust, topped with golden oat streusel and a caramel drizzle. The ultimate fall dessert for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you crave cozy sweetness
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Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup light brown sugar
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12 tablespoons (1½ sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
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2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped
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2 tablespoons granulated sugar
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
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¾ cup all-purpose flour
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¾ cup light brown sugar
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½ cup quick oats
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5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
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Caramel syrup or sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
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Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Make the Crust
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In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cubed butter.
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Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until crumbly.
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Press firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, until light golden.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
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In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
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Add sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs.
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Mix until well combined and creamy.
4. Mix the Apples
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In a small bowl, toss chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Layers
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Pour the cheesecake filling over the warm crust and smooth evenly.
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Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
6. Make the Streusel
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In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter until coarse crumbs form.
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Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
7. Bake
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Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are slightly golden.
8. Cool and Drizzle
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Let bars cool on a wire rack for 1 hour.
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Drizzle caramel sauce over the top while still slightly warm.
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Cool completely before slicing for best results.
Notes
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For clean slices, chill the bars completely before cutting.
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Use a serrated knife or wipe the blade between cuts for neat presentation.
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These bars are perfect for holiday trays, bake sales, or dessert potlucks.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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