These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall dessert creamy cheesecake layered over a buttery graham crust, topped with cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with rich caramel sauce. They’re easy to make, slice perfectly for serving, and combine everything you love about caramel apples and cheesecake into one irresistible bite. Try them after a hearty autumn dinner like Best Fall Dinner Recipes or enjoy them as part of your Thanksgiving dessert spread.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall dessert — creamy cheesecake layered over a buttery graham crust, topped with cinnamon-spiced apples and drizzled with rich caramel sauce.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Apple Topping:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Finishing Touches:
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzle
- Optional: chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- In a small bowl, combine diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Spoon evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing into bars. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if desired.
Notes
Try adding a dash of sea salt to the caramel drizzle for a sweet-salty combo. These bars slice best when fully chilled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: caramel, apple, cheesecake bars, fall dessert, thanksgiving
Why You’ll Love It
- Perfect balance: Sweet apples, tangy cheesecake, and buttery crust in every bite.
- Great for gatherings: Cut into bars for easy serving at parties or potlucks.
- Make-ahead friendly: Even better after chilling overnight.
- Fall flavors: Warm cinnamon, caramel, and apples make it cozy and comforting.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Finishing Touches
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzle
- Optional: chopped pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool slightly.
- Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
- In a small bowl, combine diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and flour. Spoon evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing into bars. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use Easy Apple Crisp with Oats topping for extra crunch.
- Replace graham crackers with crushed vanilla wafers for a sweeter crust.
- Try Slow Cooker Apple Butter as a swirl before baking.
- Top with sea salt flakes to balance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled with a drizzle of warm caramel or a dollop of whipped cream. These bars pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Wrap each bar individually and freeze up to 2 months.
- Thaw: Refrigerate overnight before serving.
FAQs
Can I use canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but reduce the baking time by 5–8 minutes since the apples are already cooked.
Do I have to use caramel?
You can skip it or substitute with butterscotch or maple syrup for a different twist.
What apples are best?
Tart, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up best during baking.
More to Try
- Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
- Easy Apple Galette
- Apple Loaf Cake
- Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bars
- Best Apple Recipes Collection
Conclusion
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake, warm apples, and buttery caramel into a dessert that feels like autumn in every bite. They’re simple enough for weeknights but elegant enough for the holidays— a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.