If you’re looking for the ultimate fall dessert that combines comfort food flavors with bakery-style indulgence, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars will quickly become a favorite. Imagine the warm sweetness of spiced apples layered over creamy cheesecake, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust and crowned with a golden, crumbly streusel. Finished with a rich caramel drizzle, this dessert is every bit as luxurious as it sounds.
These bars are perfect for family gatherings, holiday dessert tables, or just a cozy weeknight treat when you’re craving something sweet and comforting. They’re easy enough for beginner bakers yet impressive enough to serve at parties, making them a true crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Combines three desserts in one: apple pie, cheesecake, and streusel.
Perfectly balanced flavors: creamy, tangy, spiced, and sweet.
A stunning dessert for holidays, potlucks, or dinner parties.
Easy to slice, serve, and transport—ideal for gatherings.
Customizable with different apple varieties or caramel toppings.
Make-ahead friendly—flavors deepen as it chills overnight.
Ingredient Breakdown
For the Crust:
Graham cracker crumbs – Provide a sweet, buttery base that holds the bars together.
Unsalted butter – Adds richness and binds the crumbs.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the crust and helps it set.
For the Cheesecake Layer:
Cream cheese – The star of the layer, creamy and tangy.
Granulated sugar – Balances the tang of cream cheese.
Eggs – Bind the cheesecake mixture for a smooth texture.
Vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor with warmth and depth.
For the Apple Layer:
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Provide tartness and structure that balance the richness.
Cinnamon & nutmeg – Classic warm spices that elevate the apple flavor.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens and helps release apple juices.
For the Streusel Topping:
All-purpose flour – Adds structure to the crumble topping.
Brown sugar – Creates a caramel-like sweetness.
Rolled oats – Give the topping texture and a rustic look.
Cold butter – Essential for a crumbly streusel texture.
For the Caramel Drizzle:
Caramel sauce – Adds the final decadent touch; homemade or store-bought both work.
Pro Tips for Success
Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling.
Dice apples evenly so they cook uniformly.
Don’t skip chilling—the bars slice much cleaner after several hours in the fridge.
Use cold butter in the streusel to achieve a crisp, crumbly topping.
Drizzle caramel just before serving to keep the topping crunchy.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
Swap graham crackers for gingersnap cookies for a spicier crust.
Use pear slices instead of apples for a twist.
Make it gluten-free with almond flour crust and certified GF oats.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
Use salted caramel for a sweet-savory contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
Serve with hot coffee or apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
Top with whipped cream instead of caramel for a lighter finish.
Make Ahead & Storage Tips
Make ahead: These bars taste even better the next day. Bake, chill overnight, and serve.
Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze bars (without caramel) tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use different apples?
Yes! Granny Smith provides tartness, while Honeycrisp offers a balance of sweet and tart. Avoid overly soft apples, which may become mushy.
2. Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade caramel elevates this dessert even more. Store-bought works just as well for convenience.
3. Do these bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cheesecake layer, always store them in the refrigerator.
4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but bake in two pans rather than one larger pan to ensure even cooking.
5. How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The center should jiggle slightly but not look liquid. It will firm as it chills.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon to form the crust mixture.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let cool.
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Pour cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Combine flour and brown sugar, then cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Add pecans if using, then sprinkle streusel over the apples.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Make caramel by heating sugar and water until amber, then whisking in cream, butter, and salt.
- Cool caramel slightly, then drizzle over sliced bars before serving.
