Craving something cozy, creamy, and perfectly spiced? These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fall dessert layered with a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake, tender cinnamon spiced apples, and a luscious caramel drizzle. They’re easy to slice, even easier to devour, and guaranteed to impress at any gathering.
Whether you’re baking for a potluck, Thanksgiving, or just to make your kitchen smell like autumn this dessert brings comfort and flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels extra special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, these bars are a dream come true. Here’s why they’ll quickly become a favorite in your home:
- Quick prep with layers that come together easily No need to fuss with complicated steps. The crust, cheesecake filling, and apple topping layer perfectly for an impressive yet approachable dessert.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for holidays or potlucks These cheesecake bars actually taste even better after chilling, making them a stress-free option for entertaining. Bake them the night before, and you’re ready to wow your guests.
- The best of three worlds in one bite You get the silky creaminess of cheesecake, the cozy spice of apple pie, and the indulgent drizzle of caramel all wrapped up in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need for this dreamy fall dessert:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ⅓ cup store-bought caramel sauce (or homemade)
Optional: Pinch of sea salt, chopped pecans, or streusel topping
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (Step-by-Step)
These bars are easy, make-ahead-friendly, and worth every second:
1. Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and pre bake for 10 minutes.
2. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Pour over the pre baked crust and smooth the top.
3. Cook the Apples
- Sauté diced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until tender.
- Cool slightly, then spoon evenly over cheesecake layer.
4. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is mostly set.
- Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
5. Add Caramel + Serve
- Drizzle generously with caramel sauce before slicing into bars.
- Sprinkle with sea salt or pecans if desired.
Tip: Chill before slicing for clean, perfect squares!
Why These Bars Are the Best Fall Dessert
Flavors of Fall: Spiced apples + creamy cheesecake = cozy heaven
Perfect Texture: Crunchy crust, creamy middle, gooey top
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or casual get-togethers
Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
- Make the day before flavors deepen as it chills!
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 27 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Total Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 55 mg |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Potassium | 160 mg |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
| Iron | 1.2 mg |
FAQs About Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
Yes! Just reduce added sugar and skip the sauté step. Use about 1 cup of pie filling.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Use a 9×13 pan and bake a little longer (around 45–50 minutes).
Do I have to use store-bought caramel?
Not at all! Homemade caramel works great. Here’s a simple homemade caramel recipe you can try.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 8 oz blocks cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- ⅓ cup store-bought caramel sauce or homemade
- Optional: Pinch of sea salt chopped pecans, or streusel topping
Instructions
- Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line an 8×8 or 9×9 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan and pre bake for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Pour over the pre baked crust and smooth the top.
- Cook the Apples
- Sauté diced apples with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until tender.
- Cool slightly, then spoon evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is mostly set.
- Let cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).
- Add Caramel + Serve
- Drizzle generously with caramel sauce before slicing into bars.
- Sprinkle with sea salt or pecans if desired.
- Tip: Chill before slicing for clean, perfect squares!
Video
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
- Make the day before flavors deepen as it chills!
