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🍎🍰🍯✨ Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – Creamy, Crunchy & Perfect for Fall!

If you love caramel apples and creamy cheesecake, prepare to fall head over heels for these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars — the ultimate autumn dessert! 🍂💛 Each layer is pure perfection: a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky cream cheese filling, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a drizzle of gooey caramel sauce on top. These bars combine the comforting flavors of fall with the richness of cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, Thanksgiving dinner, or just craving something cozy, these cheesecake bars deliver all the flavor of a bakery dessert — without the fuss of a full cheesecake. 🍎🍰✨
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 Bars
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs about 10–12 crackers
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
  • 16 oz 2 packages cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer:
  • 2 medium apples peeled and diced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best)
  • 1 Tbsp brown sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
For the Streusel Topping:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter cold and cubed
For the Caramel Drizzle:
  • ¼ cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
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Equipment

  • 9x9-inch baking pan (or 8x8 for thicker bars)
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand or stand mixer
  • Whisk
  • Saucepan (optional for caramel)
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preheat & Prepare
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Line a 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
Make the Crust
  1. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
  2. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
  3. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
  1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until just combined.
  3. Pour over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
Make the Apple Layer
  1. In a bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
  2. Evenly spoon apples over the cheesecake layer.
Add the Streusel Topping
  1. Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon in a small bowl.
  2. Cut in butter with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
  3. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
Bake
  1. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.
  2. Cool completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Add the Caramel Drizzle
  1. Once chilled, drizzle caramel sauce generously over the top.
  2. Cut into squares and serve! 🍎🍰🍯

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze (without caramel) up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Not needed — enjoy these chilled!
🥄 Variations
Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the caramel drizzle for sweet-salty perfection.
Crumble Crust Swap: Use crushed Biscoff cookies or ginger snaps instead of graham crackers.
Maple Apple Cheesecake Bars: Add 1 Tbsp maple syrup to the cheesecake batter for a cozy fall twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free graham crackers and oat flour in the crust and topping.
Mini Cheesecake Cups: Make the recipe in muffin tins for perfectly portioned desserts.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — they taste even better the next day after chilling.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, it works perfectly for drizzling.
Can I skip the streusel topping?
You can, but it adds wonderful crunch and texture.
What apples are best?
A mix of sweet (Fuji) and tart (Granny Smith) gives the best balance.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — use a 9x13-inch pan and bake for 45–50 minutes.
Do I need to use a water bath?
Nope! These bars bake beautifully without one.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Use vegan cream cheese and dairy-free butter substitutes.
Can I use other fruit?
Yes, pears or peaches also work great in this recipe.
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer?
Avoid overmixing and let it cool gradually before refrigerating.
Can I serve them warm?
You can, but chilled bars hold their layers better and taste creamier.
🏁 Conclusion
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fall dessert — buttery, creamy, sweet, and spiced with just the right amount of cinnamon. 🍎🍰✨
Perfect for sharing (or not!), they combine the nostalgic taste of caramel apples with the indulgence of cheesecake and the crunch of streusel. Serve them at Thanksgiving, potlucks, or whenever you need a comforting bite of autumn. 🍁💛