Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – Simple Fall Dessert Favorite

Some recipes just feel like fall, even when it’s still warm out. The smell of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars baking hits differently especially when there’s creamy cheesecake and a buttery crumb topping involved. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a little slice of cozy, any time of year.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the best kind of mash-up. You get the soft, buttery base of a shortbread crust. Then, a thick, creamy cheesecake layer. On top? Tart apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. And it doesn’t stop there a brown sugar streusel adds crunch, and a silky caramel drizzle ties it all together.

Each bite is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and a little tangy. They’re simple to make, easy to slice, and perfect for potlucks or make-ahead treats.

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Ingredients Breakdown

For the Shortbread Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup softened butter

Mix these with a pastry blender or two forks until crumbly. The crust bakes into a firm, lightly sweet layer that holds everything else together.

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 3 packages cream cheese (8 oz each), softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Softened cream cheese mixes best. Make sure to beat until smooth so the filling turns out rich and creamy.

For the Apple Topping

• 3 Granny Smith apples (about 3 cups), peeled and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Granny Smith apples add that lovely tartness that balances the sweet caramel and cheesecake.

For the Streusel

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 1/2 cup softened butter

This makes the top golden and crumbly. It’s rustic and buttery—perfect with apples and spice.

Caramel Drizzle (optional but recommended)

• 1/2 cup caramel topping

Store-bought is fine, but if you make your own, even better. Wait until the bars are chilled before drizzling.

Best Apples to Use for This Recipe

Granny Smith apples are the top pick for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars They’re tart and firm, which helps them hold shape during baking. If you want to switch things up, Honeycrisp or Braeburn also work well. Stay away from Red Delicious or Gala they tend to go mushy.

Step-by-Step Overview

Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Combine flour and brown sugar, then cut in the butter until crumbly. Press the mix into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for about 15 minutes, just until lightly golden.

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla. Pour this creamy layer over the warm crust—it spreads best that way.

Add the Apple Topping

In a bowl, toss chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon the apple mixture evenly across the cheesecake layer.

Sprinkle the Streusel

Using your hands, mix the streusel ingredients until you get a crumbly texture. Sprinkle generously over the apples.

Bake, Cool, and Drizzle

Bake the bars for 40 to 45 minutes. They should be set but still have a slight jiggle. Let them cool fully, then chill in the fridge for clean slicing. Right before serving, drizzle caramel on top.

Tips for Success

• Line the pan with parchment so the bars lift out easily
• Let the bars cool to room temp before chilling—this keeps the cheesecake layer smooth
• Cut with a hot, dry knife for cleaner edges
• Add the caramel after chilling for the best texture
• Want a homemade drizzle? Try a quick stovetop caramel made with butter, brown sugar, and cream

Storage & Make-Ahead Guide

Refrigerator Storage

Keep these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in the fridge, tightly covered. They stay fresh for up to 5 days. That makes them a great make-ahead dessert for parties or holidays.

Freezer Instructions

Freeze them without the caramel. Once frozen solid, wrap in layers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and drizzle caramel before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are wonderful cold, but they’re also lovely slightly warmed. If you want to serve warm, skip the caramel until after reheating. Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fantastic dessert plate.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe Card

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More Such Recipes

Love these bars? You’ll probably enjoy these too:
Try these Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars – a cozy fall twist on a creamy classic.
Or these Maple Glazed Apple Blondies – rich, chewy, and packed with apple-cinnamon flavor.
Don’t miss Caramel Apple Donut Cake Pops – bite-sized treats bursting with apple and caramel.
And for something soft and spiced, try Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies – soft, spiced cookies perfect for the season.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars always disappear fast. If you’re craving a crowd-pleasing, cozy treat, these bars deliver every time. or just a quiet treat after a long day. If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out. Share your thoughts in the comments, or tag me on Facebook or Pinterest if you post your own twist.