Imagine the warm scent of baked apples, cinnamon and caramel filling your kitchen. Now imagine that flavor wrapped up into a thick bar with a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake layer, tart apple pieces and a crunchy streusel on top. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall treat: elegant yet easy, rich yet balanced, and ready to become your go-to dessert for cozy nights or entertaining.
What Is Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars / Why It’s Special
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine several dessert favourites: a shortbread-style crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple chunks and a sweet streusel topping, all finished with a caramel drizzle. What makes them special is the layering of textures and flavours crumbly crust, silky filling, soft tender apples, crunchy streusel and gooey caramel. They look bakery-worthy but you can easily bake them at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup firmly-packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-oz) packages (≈ 24 oz total) cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
Apples:
- 3 cups finely chopped apples (about 3 medium apples, e.g., Granny Smith)
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup quick-cooking oats
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
Drizzle:
- ½ cup caramel topping (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch
- A sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel for contrast
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (≈ 175 °C). Line a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar and softened butter until a coarse crumb forms. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust layer. Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly set and edges just beginning to colour.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating gently after each until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract until just combined. Pour this cheesecake filling evenly over the warm crust.
Step 4: Add Apple Layer
In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with the granulated sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg until coated. Spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
Step 5: Prepare & Add Streusel Topping
In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour and oats. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
Step 6: Bake & Drizzle Caramel
Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is mostly set (a little jiggle is fine). Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle the caramel topping over the hot bars, spreading gently. Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set fully.
Step 7: Slice & Serve
Use the parchment/foil overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles with a sharp knife (wipe the blade between cuts for clean edges). Serve chilled or slightly warmed, with extra caramel drizzle if desired.
Tips / Variations / Why You’ll Love It
- Tip: Use tart apples such as Granny Smith to offset the sweetness of caramel and cheesecake.
- Tip: Fully chilling the bars before slicing yields cleaner cuts and better texture.
- Variation: Add ½ cup chopped pecans into the streusel for nutty crunch.
- Variation: Swap half the granulated sugar in the cheesecake layer for maple syrup for a subtle fall twist.
- Why You’ll Love It: These bars deliver multiple desserts in one cheesecake, apple pie, streusel bar and caramel drizzle. They’re ideal for potlucks, family nights or treat boxes.
FAQs
Q1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, bake them, then chill overnight in the fridge. They actually taste best the next day once fully set.
Q2. How long can I store them?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Q3. Can I freeze them?
Yes. After chilling, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Q4. Can I use frozen apples?
It’s better to use fresh apples (peeled and chopped) for optimal texture. Frozen apples tend to release too much moisture and may make the cheesecake layer soggy.
Conclusion
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together buttery crust, creamy filling, tender spiced apples, crunchy streusel and luscious caramel in every bite. Whether you’re baking for fall, dessert night or family gathering these bars deliver wow without complexity.
✨ Try it this week and tag @EatTreatsRecipes on Pinterest or Instagram because comfort should always be this delicious!