Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

There’s a specific scent that tells me fall has truly arrived in our home, and it’s the combination of baking apples and warm cinnamon. The moment my kids smell it wafting from the oven, they come running. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the source of that wonderful aroma, a recipe that has become a cherished part of our family’s autumn traditions. They capture all the cozy feelings of the season in one delicious, multi-layered treat.

Imagine a buttery shortbread crust, a rich and tangy cream cheese filling, a layer of tender, spiced apples, and a crumbly cinnamon streusel topping. To finish it all off, a generous drizzle of homemade caramel sauce brings everything together. It sounds decadent, and it is, but I promise it’s surprisingly simple to assemble. This is the perfect dessert for sharing with loved ones on a crisp fall day.

Why This Recipe Is a Fall Favorite

• Layers of Flavor and Texture: From the crisp crust to the creamy filling and crunchy streusel, every bite is an adventure. The combination of sweet, tart, and spiced notes is perfectly balanced.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These bars are a certified crowd-pleaser! They travel well and are easy to serve, making them ideal for holiday parties, Thanksgiving dessert tables, or potlucks.
• Looks Impressive, But It’s Easy: While the finished product looks like it came from a fancy bakery, the steps are straightforward and easy for any home cook to follow.
• Celebrates the Season: Using fresh apples, cinnamon, and caramel, this recipe embodies the heart of autumn baking. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the harvest season.

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Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

This recipe has a few components, but they use many overlapping pantry staples. Let’s break down what you’ll need for each delicious layer.

For the Apple Filling:

• Granny Smith Apples: These are my go-to for baking. Their firm texture holds up well in the oven, and their tartness provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet caramel and creamy cheesecake.
• Sugar & Spices: A little granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg give the apples that classic, warm apple pie flavor.

For the Shortbread Base & Streusel Topping:

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for both the crust and the topping.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness and moisture.
• Salted Butter: I use salted butter to balance the sweetness. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Quick-Cooking Oats: These are just for the streusel, giving it a lovely chewy texture and rustic look.
• Cinnamon: A must-have for that warm, cozy flavor in both the crust and topping.

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• Cream Cheese: The star of the show! Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese and make sure it’s fully softened to room temperature to avoid any lumps.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the tangy cream cheese perfectly.
• Large Eggs: They help set the cheesecake filling, giving it that signature silky texture.
• Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of pure vanilla extract adds depth and warmth.

For the Homemade Caramel Sauce:

• Salted Butter & Heavy Cream: These create a rich, smooth, and creamy base for the sauce.
• Light Brown Sugar: This is what gives the caramel its classic flavor and color.
• Vanilla & Salt: A pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla round out the flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Apples

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with foil, leaving some overhang on the sides to act as handles for easy removal later. Lightly grease the foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a small bowl, stir together the finely chopped apples, two tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.

Step 2: Mix the Streusel Topping

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and quick-cooking oats for the streusel. Add the softened butter. Using a pastry blender, two forks, or even your fingertips, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse, crumbly sand. Set this bowl aside as well.

Step 3: Prepare and Bake the Shortbread Base

For the crust, use another medium bowl to combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture is crumbly but well-combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, just until it’s very lightly browned around the edges.

Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

While the crust is baking, you can prepare the cheesecake layer. In a large bowl with an electric mixer (or in a stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and the ½ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract until just combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Bars

Pour the prepared cream cheese filling over the warm, par-baked crust and spread it into an even layer. Give the apple mixture a quick stir to redistribute the juices, then spoon it evenly over the cheesecake layer. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping all over the apples, covering them completely. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown. The center should have a very slight jiggle.

Step 6: Create the Caramel Sauce

While the bars are cooling, make the caramel sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring gently, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it has thickened slightly. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla, and let it cook for one more minute. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.

Step 7: Cool, Drizzle, and Serve

Let the bars cool completely to room temperature in the pan. Once cooled, you can lift them out using the foil handles. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. For the cleanest cuts, I recommend chilling the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing. You can drizzle the whole pan or drizzle each individual bar as you serve it.

Tips for the Best Cheesecake Bars

• Room Temperature is Key: For the smoothest, creamiest cheesecake filling, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This prevents lumps and helps everything combine beautifully.
• Don’t Overmix the Filling: Once you add the eggs, mix on low speed and only until they are just combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecake layer to crack as it bakes.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but patience is a virtue! Letting the bars cool completely (and even chilling them) allows the cheesecake to set fully, which is essential for getting those clean, perfect squares. For more advice on achieving that perfect cheesecake texture, browse our collection of No‑Bake & Cheesecakes.
• Foil Sling for Easy Removal: Don’t skip the step of lining your pan with foil and leaving an overhang. This ‘sling’ makes it incredibly easy to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan for neat cutting and serving.

Tasty Twists and Variations

• Add Some Nuts: For an extra layer of crunch and flavor, add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping. Toasted nuts work especially well.
• Try Different Fruits: While apple is classic, this recipe works beautifully with firm pears. You could also try a mix of apples and pears for a more complex flavor.
• Salted Caramel: If you love that sweet and salty combination, use salted butter in the caramel sauce and add an extra pinch of flaky sea salt on top after drizzling.
• Spiced Up Crust: Give the shortbread base a little extra warmth by adding ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom along with the cinnamon. If you enjoy experimenting with different baking spices and flavors, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our main Cakes category.

How to Serve Your Cheesecake Bars

These bars are absolutely fantastic on their own, but if you want to make them extra special, here are a few of my favorite ways to serve them. A small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is a classic pairing; the cool creaminess is wonderful against the warm spices of the bars. A simple dollop of freshly whipped cream also works beautifully, adding a touch of lightness.

For a cozy treat, serve a slightly warmed bar with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or spiced apple cider. It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up on a chilly day. These bars are also a showstopper on a dessert platter, making them a wonderful choice for the holidays. They fit right in with other Seasonal & Holiday Cakes and treats.

Did You Make This Recipe?

I truly hope you and your family love these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars as much as we do. There’s something so comforting about the layers of flavor and the wonderful aroma that fills the house as they bake. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a new fall tradition in your home.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other delicious Cakes! I always love to see what you’re making in your own kitchens. Please share a photo of your beautiful bars and tag us on Pinterest or Instagram! It makes my day to see your creations.