Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – A Decadent Fall Dessert

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – A Decadent Fall Dessert 🍎🍰🍂

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are everything you love about fall desserts—layers of buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-sugar apples, and a gooey caramel drizzle. Baked in bar form for easy slicing and serving, they’re perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy nights in. 💚

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bars 💚

• ✅ Multi-Layered Magic: Crunchy crust, silky cheesecake, spiced apples, and crumble topping.
• ✅ Perfect for Sharing: Easy to slice into neat squares for parties or potlucks.
• ✅ Warm Fall Flavors: Packed with cinnamon, brown sugar, and apple goodness.
• ✅ Decadent Yet Easy: No water bath or fussy steps—just delicious layers baked together.

🍎 Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bar Recipe

Ingredients

• • For the Crust:
  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs or digestive biscuits 🍪
  • ¼ cup brown sugar 🍬
  • ½ cup melted butter 🧈

• • For the Cheesecake Layer:
  • 2 (8 oz) 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 🍎
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar 🍬
  • 1 tsp cinnamon 🌿

• • For the Streusel Topping:
  • ½ cup flour 🌾
  • ¼ cup brown sugar 🍬
  • ¼ cup butter, cold and cubed 🧈
  • ½ tsp cinnamon 🌿

• For Serving:
• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) 🍯

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven:
   Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Make the crust:
   Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
3. Prepare cheesecake filling:
   Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fully combined. Pour over the crust.
4. Add apple layer:
   Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle evenly over the cheesecake layer.
5. Make streusel topping:
   Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon. Mix with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
6. Bake:
   Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the center is just set. Cool to room temperature, then chill at least 3 hours (or overnight) for best texture.
7. Serve:
   Lift out of the pan, slice into bars, and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. 🍎🍰

💡 Tips & Flavor Variations

• ✨ Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and flour in the crust and topping.
• ✨ Add nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel for crunch.
• ✨ Use other fruits: Try pears or peaches for a seasonal twist.
• ✨ Homemade caramel: Simmer brown sugar, butter, and cream for a quick stovetop sauce.

🌿 Nutritional Highlights

While indulgent, these bars offer real fruit and portion control in each slice. Swap in low-fat cream cheese and reduce sugar for a lighter version that still satisfies.

🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• ✅ Make-ahead: Best when chilled for several hours or overnight—perfect for prepping the day before a gathering.
• ✅ Storage: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• ✅ Freeze-friendly: Freeze without caramel topping for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What apples work best?

Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweet-tart balance. Avoid overly soft varieties.

Can I skip the streusel topping?

Yes, but it adds a wonderful texture contrast. A sprinkle of oats or crushed nuts can also work.

Can I use a springform pan?

Absolutely—just line the base and sides well. A 9-inch round springform pan will yield taller bars.

Sweet, Spiced & Share-Ready 💚

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring the cozy flavors of fall into one decadent bite. 🍎💬 Pin it now and share your bakes with us on Pinterest!