Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, but make sure they’re firm enough to hold their shape while baking. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady are all great options. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious.

How do I know when the cheesecake layer is baked through?

The center should still have a slight wobble when you gently shake the pan. The edges will look puffed, and the top will be lightly golden.

Can I make these bars ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely. These bars are even better the next day. Make them the night before, refrigerate overnight, and drizzle the caramel before serving.

The Best Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Name: The Best Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: **Crust**; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar; 1 cup butter, softened; **Cheesecake Filling**; 16 oz cream cheese (2 blocks), softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; **Apple Layer**; 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped (about 3 cups); 2 tablespoons sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; **Streusel Topping**; 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, softened; **Caramel Drizzle**; 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Description

A rich fall dessert with buttery shortbread crust, thick creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, crumbly streusel, and a gooey caramel drizzle—perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

**Crust**

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup butter, softened

**Cheesecake Filling**

16 oz cream cheese (2 blocks), softened

3/4 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

**Apple Layer**

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped (about 3 cups)

2 tablespoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

**Streusel Topping**

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

**Caramel Drizzle**

1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Combine flour and brown sugar for the crust. Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly. Press into prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.

3. While crust bakes, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Mix until fully combined.

4. Pour cheesecake filling over warm crust and spread evenly.

5. In a bowl, toss chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cheesecake layer.

6. In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.

7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the center is just set and the top is golden.

8. Cool to room temperature, then chill in refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

9. Drizzle caramel over bars just before serving. Cut into squares and enjoy cold or gently warmed.

Notes

These bars are make-ahead friendly—best chilled overnight for clean slices.

Use a thick caramel sauce for best results, and drizzle only before serving.

Bars can be stored in the fridge up to 5 days, or frozen up to 4 months without caramel.

Granny Smith apples hold their shape and give the best tart flavor balance.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Thanksgiving Recipes
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 380
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 70mg