Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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Sweet, spiced, and downright irresistible, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together everything you love about autumn desserts into one decadent bite. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake center, and a cinnamon-spiced apple topping finished with caramel drizzle, it’s the kind of treat that disappears fast at any gathering.

Each layer offers a texture and flavor contrast that just works. The crunch from the streusel topping, the tender baked apples, the smooth cheesecake, and the chewy base create a harmony that feels like a cozy sweater for your taste buds. It’s simple enough for a casual dessert and impressive enough for a holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

This dessert checks all the boxes: comforting, make-ahead friendly, and absolutely loaded with fall flavors. The balance of tangy cream cheese and sweet caramelized apples is nothing short of magic. You can slice them into generous squares or dainty bars for portion-perfect indulgence. Bonus: they travel well, making them ideal for potlucks and family gatherings.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use for Cheesecake Bars?

For best texture and flavor, go with firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake filling. Avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, which can turn mushy.

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Ingredients for the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Each component of this dessert plays a key role in delivering the flavor and structure:

• Graham cracker crumbs: These form the buttery, slightly sweet crust that anchors the bars.
• Melted butter: Binds the crust and gives it richness.
• Granulated sugar: Enhances sweetness in both the crust and the cheesecake.
• Cream cheese: The creamy core of the dessert, bringing that signature tang.
• Eggs: They provide structure and stability to the cheesecake layer.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth.
• Apples: Chopped and spiced for that fresh, fruity top layer.
• Brown sugar & cinnamon: To coat the apples and make them cozy.
• All-purpose flour: Used in the streusel to create a crumbly texture.
• Oats: Add chew and rustic texture to the streusel.
• Salt: Balances all the sweet components.
• Caramel sauce: The final drizzle that ties everything together.

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How To Make the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prep the Crust

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until it resembles wet sand. Press into the pan and bake for 8-10 minutes. Let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Mix until creamy. Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping

In a medium bowl, toss chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread the mixture gently over the cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Make the Streusel

Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Mix in melted butter with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight for clean slices.

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Before serving, drizzle with warm caramel sauce. Slice and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These bars serve 12 to 16 people, depending on the size of your slices. For best flavor, serve them chilled or at room temperature with an extra drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen—wrap individual bars tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

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What to Serve With Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

A Hot Cup of Spiced Chai

The warm spices in chai echo the cinnamon in the bars perfectly.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A cool contrast to the rich caramel and cheesecake.

Salted Caramel Mocha

Double down on the caramel theme with this cozy drink.

Apple Cider

The tartness of cider enhances the apple layer.

Toasted Pecans

Sprinkle over the bars for added crunch and a nutty note.

Whipped Cream with a Dash of Nutmeg

Light and airy topping to balance the dense dessert.

A Slice of Cheddar Cheese

For a surprising twist, try the classic apple-and-cheese pairing.

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Want More Cheesecake Ideas?

If you loved these bars, you might also enjoy:

• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake: a rich duo of dark cherry and cocoa.
• Hot Fudge Sundae Brownie Cheesecake: for when you want a showstopper.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups: zesty, creamy, and portable.
• Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies: a rich layered bar with deep chocolate undertones.
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls: crunchy on the outside, creamy and fruity inside.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in pears or add a dash of nutmeg? Maybe drizzle with maple syrup instead of caramel?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own! Questions welcome too—let’s bake smarter together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and comforting desserts on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for cozy treats!

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