Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – The Ultimate Fall Dessert You’ll Love
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, spiced apple filling, creamy cheesecake layer, and a crumbly oat topping—all drizzled with caramel sauce. A rich and indulgent dessert perfect for fall gatherings or holiday tables.
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 9x13-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.