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.
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.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Pre-baking the crust is essential. Make sure it’s lightly golden before adding the filling.