Autumn is here, and that means cozy, delicious desserts are calling! These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the tangy sweetness of apples, rich, creamy cheesecake, and gooey caramel for a treat that’s impossible to resist. Perfect for fall gatherings, potlucks, or just an indulgent family dessert
The Perfect Crust
Start with a buttery, crisp graham cracker crust:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Mix crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until sandy. Press into a lined 9×13 pan and pre-bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes for a sturdy, crunchy base.
Creamy Cheesecake Layer
The cheesecake layer is rich, smooth, and the star of the show:
Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time. Stir in vanilla and spread over the cooled crust.
Apple Layer
Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for the perfect balance with the caramel:
Ingredients:
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and spices, then spread evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Streusel Topping
Add a crunchy, sweet finish with streusel:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Mix flour and brown sugar, cut in butter until crumbly, and stir in pecans. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake assembled bars for 45-50 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the cheesecake is set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Homemade Caramel Sauce (Optional)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Heat sugar and water until dissolved, then cook without stirring until amber. Remove from heat, whisk in cream (careful, it will bubble), then butter and salt. Drizzle over bars before serving.
Serving and Storage
- Serve: Cut into squares and drizzle with caramel.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap bars tightly and freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
Tips & Variations
- Use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for different flavors.
- Add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for extra warmth.
- Make it gluten-free with GF graham crackers, or dairy-free with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream.
- For a quick shortcut, store-bought caramel works beautifully.
Why You’ll Love These Bars
These bars are rich, creamy, sweet, and slightly tart—a true celebration of fall flavors. They’re perfect for sharing, meal prepping, or enjoying as a cozy treat with a cup of coffee or cider.