87 / 100

SEO Score

The first time I made these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, it wasn’t for a party or a special occasion—it was just a rainy Sunday, and I had a few apples sitting on the counter and a block of cream cheese nearing its expiration date. I didn’t expect much. But one bite in, I knew I had something special. The soft, cinnamon-spiced apples, the rich creaminess of the cheesecake, and that buttery graham cracker base—it was the kind of dessert that makes people close their eyes and smile.

These bars are the perfect blend of two classic favorites: the cozy comfort of apple pie and the smooth indulgence of cheesecake. And they come together in an easy-to-cut bar that’s perfect for sharing—if you can resist eating them all yourself.

What I love most is how they taste like fall in every bite, yet they’re so good, you’ll want to make them all year long. Whether you’re hosting friends, looking for a Thanksgiving dessert, or just craving something sweet, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars deliver every single time.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

To make these bars perfectly layered and flavorful, you’ll need simple pantry and fridge staples. Here’s everything broken down by layer:

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened (2 standard blocks)
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Topping:

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)

For the Crumb Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Drizzle:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

MORE RECIPES ON MY INSTAGRAM

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have bakery-worthy cheesecake bars packed with fall flavor.

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Crust

In a mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully combined and silky.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly with a spatula.

Step 4: Make the Apple Layer

In a small bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Make the Crumb Topping

Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cubed cold butter, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until crumbly. You want a mix of small and larger clumps.
Sprinkle this evenly over the apples.

Step 6: Bake

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. The edges may puff slightly, and that’s okay.
Remove from oven and cool at room temperature for 1 hour.

Step 7: Chill and Drizzle

Once cooled, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours (overnight is best). This step helps the layers set for cleaner slices.
Just before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce.

Delicious Variations You Can Try with These Cheesecake Bars

These bars are delicious as is, but feel free to experiment and make them your own. Here are some tasty variations to try:

Add Nuts for Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the crumb topping before baking. The nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and caramel.
Swirl in Apple Butter: For a deeper apple flavor, swirl a few spoonfuls of apple butter into the cheesecake batter before pouring it over the crust. This adds a rich, fruity layer without overpowering the creaminess.
Salted Caramel Drizzle: Use salted caramel sauce instead of regular caramel to add a subtle sweet-salty contrast that enhances the overall taste.
Cinnamon Graham Cracker Crust: Swap out regular graham crackers for cinnamon-flavored ones to give the crust an extra warm spice note.
Use Different Apples: Try using Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter or more tart taste, depending on your preference.
Add a Streusel Layer: Mix extra oats, brown sugar, and butter to create a crumbly streusel topping. Bake it a few minutes before the bars are done to get a crispy, golden finish.

Recommended Equipment for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Having the right tools makes baking these bars easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

9×9-inch baking pan — Perfect size for these bars; you can also use an 8×8-inch pan if you want thicker bars.
Parchment paper — For easy removal and clean edges.
Mixing bowls — At least three: one for the crust, one for cheesecake batter, and one for the crumb topping.
Electric mixer or hand whisk — To beat the cream cheese smooth and mix the cheesecake batter well.
Measuring cups and spoons — For precise ingredient amounts.
Spatula or rubber scraper — To spread batter evenly and scrape bowls clean.
Pastry cutter or fork — For cutting butter into the crumb topping.
Knife — To peel and dice apples.
Cooling rack — To cool the bars after baking.