Introduction
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together two all-time favorite desserts — caramel apples and creamy cheesecake — in one irresistibly delicious bake. Tender chunks of cinnamon-kissed apples are layered over a rich, buttery crust and crowned with velvety cheesecake filling, then drizzled with sticky caramel for a sweet finish that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a cozy fall gathering, holiday dessert table, or a weekend treat, these bars deliver comfort and indulgence in every bite. They’re easy to make yet taste like something from a bakery — creamy, fruity, and beautifully balanced with sweet caramel and warm spices.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic fall flavors of apple, cinnamon, and caramel
- Creamy cheesecake texture without needing a water bath
- Easy bar format — no slicing pies or shaping cakes
- Great for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in
- Balanced sweetness with real apple chunks
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 240 g graham cracker crumbs
- 75 g granulated sugar
- 120 g unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Apple Layer
- 450 g apples, peeled and diced (about 3 medium)
- 15 g unsalted butter
- 30 g brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 450 g cream cheese, room temperature
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 15 g all-purpose flour
For the Caramel Drizzle
- 120 ml prepared caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: flaky sea salt for finishing
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 23×23 cm (9×9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon; press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until set and lightly golden; set aside to cool
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 15 g butter; add diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg; sauté until apples are tender and caramelized, about 6–8 minutes; set aside to cool slightly
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and flour to the cream cheese mixture; beat until fully combined and silky
- Spoon half of the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and spread gently
- Scatter the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cheesecake batter over the apples and gently swirl with a knife to create marbling
- Bake the bars for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden
- Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the chilled bars before slicing; sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Flavor Profile Breakdown
These bars balance rich, creamy cheesecake with sweet, caramelized apples and buttery graham crust. Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm spice, while caramel drizzle brings indulgent sweetness and depth.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Let the crust cool before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent mixing. Cook apples until they release juice and start to caramelize for the best flavor. Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean bar squares.
Variations & Substitutions
Swap apples for pears for a fall twist. Use ginger-snap crumbs instead of graham crackers for spicier flavor. Add a pecan crumble on top before baking for extra crunch. Make your own caramel sauce for deeper flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Adding cold ingredients — mix will not be smooth. Overcooking apples — they should be tender, not mushy. Cutting before chilling — bars will be too soft. Drizzling caramel while warm — it may run off.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cheesecake bars with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pair with hot coffee or warm apple cider for ultimate fall dessert vibes.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep caramel separate until serving to maintain texture.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 5 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 26 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Line a 23×23 cm (9×9 inch) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and ground cinnamon; press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust
- Bake the crust for 8–10 minutes until set and lightly golden; set aside to cool
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 15 g butter; add diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg; sauté until apples are tender and caramelized, about 6–8 minutes; set aside to cool slightly
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and flour to the cream cheese mixture; beat until fully combined and silky
- Spoon half of the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and spread gently
- Scatter the cooked apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cheesecake batter over the apples and gently swirl with a knife to create marbling
- Bake the bars for 30–35 minutes or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden
- Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the chilled bars before slicing; sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired
Notes
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 26 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Final Thoughts
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful mashup of favorite flavors — creamy cheesecake, juicy spices apples, buttery crust, and rich caramel. This dessert feels festive enough for celebrations yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. With gorgeous layers and balanced sweetness, it’s a dessert everyone will ask for again.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes — substitute graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free graham or almond flour crumbs.
Why should I chill the bars before slicing?
Chilling helps the cheesecake layer set, making slicing cleaner and neater.
Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely — good quality store-bought caramel works perfectly and saves time.
What type of apples are best?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well so they hold texture.
Can I freeze these bars?
Yes — wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
