Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – The Ultimate Fall Dessert You’ll Love
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate sweet treat for autumn. Imagine the comforting taste of caramel apples, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the buttery crunch of a crumble topping—all layered together into one irresistible dessert. These bars are perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or simply when you’re craving a cozy and indulgent treat. If you’ve ever wanted all your favorite fall flavors wrapped up into one bite, this recipe is the answer.
On my About Me page, I share how my love for seasonal baking began with apple desserts like this one. These bars remind me of crisp autumn days, warm kitchens, and the irresistible scent of apples and spices filling the house. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you so you can bring that same feeling into your home.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Perfectly layered: A graham cracker crust, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, and buttery crumb topping come together beautifully.
- Fall flavors in every bite: Apple pie spice, caramel, and cheesecake make this recipe unforgettable.
- Great for sharing: The bar format makes them easy to cut, serve, and transport to potlucks, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.
- Make-ahead friendly: These bars taste even better after chilling overnight, giving the flavors time to meld.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Graham Cracker Crust
- 15 graham crackers
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons salted butter, melted
For the Apple Layer
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or pumpkin pie spice)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
For the Crumb Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Optional Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Crush the graham crackers into fine crumbs, then mix them with the sugar and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Apple Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Add the Apples
Spoon the spiced apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, gently pressing them in so they set into the batter.
Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apples.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Step 7: Add Caramel and Serve
Before serving, drizzle the bars generously with caramel sauce. Slice into squares or rectangles and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Bars
- Use Granny Smith apples for tartness that balances the sweetness.
- Chill overnight for a firmer texture and easier slicing.
- For extra indulgence, add a sprinkle of chopped pecans to the crumb topping.
- Warm slightly before serving to enhance the caramel flavor.
Variations to Try
- Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Use salted caramel sauce for a sweet-and-salty twist.
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed walnuts or pecans to the topping for more texture.
- Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Bars: Replace half the apples with pumpkin puree for a fall flavor fusion.
What to Serve With Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These bars are rich and decadent, so pair them with something light and refreshing:
- A hot cup of chai tea or coffee
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! Store-bought caramel works perfectly, but homemade caramel takes it to the next level.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the peels on for extra fiber and color.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are even better after chilling overnight, making them perfect for holiday prep.
Nutrition Information (per serving, 1 bar out of 16)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 420 | 48g | 6g | 22g | 2g | 34g |
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate indulgence for fall and the holidays. With their buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, crumbly topping, and caramel drizzle, they deliver everything you love about fall desserts in one bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or a festive gathering, these bars will be a standout dessert that disappears fast.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – The Ultimate Fall Dessert You’ll Love
Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crust
- 15 graham crackers crushed into fine crumbs
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 8 tablespoons salted butter melted
- Apple Layer
- 3 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Cheesecake Layer
- 24 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- ⅓ cup sour cream room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- Crumb Topping
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- Optional Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly coated. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make apple layer: Toss chopped apples with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Spread evenly over the baked crust.
- Prepare cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla, mixing well. Beat in eggs one at a time until just combined. Pour mixture over the apple layer.
- Mix crumb topping: In another bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the center is set and topping is golden brown.
- Cool and chill: Let bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
- Serve: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor balance.
- For a thicker caramel drizzle, warm store-bought or homemade caramel sauce slightly before topping.
- These bars taste even better the next day after chilling overnight.
