Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (Easy Fall Dessert Recipe)

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are everything you love about fall wrapped into one irresistible dessert. They’ve got a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake center, soft cinnamon apples, and a golden streusel topping. Oh, and don’t forget that final drizzle of homemade caramel. One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with apple pie

These These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are perfect for fall potlucks, Friendsgiving, or just a night in with cozy socks and a good movie. And if you’re all about apple desserts, try these Mini Apple Pies too. They’re just as cute as they are delicious

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

What makes Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars so perfect is the triple texture hit: crunchy, creamy, juicy

You get three desserts in one: cheesecake, apple pie, and streusel
They’re rich and creamy with just enough tart apple to balance the sweetness
They cut clean, stack beautifully, and travel well
You can make them ahead and freeze leftovers
They’re the kind of dessert that disappears first at any gathering
If you’re building a fall dessert tray, don’t forget to add these Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies for a warm, cozy flavor combo

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cheesecake Layer

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)

For the Caramel Sauce

1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup water
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ teaspoon salt

You can also swap in store-bought caramel if you’re short on time or serve it with this Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip for a creamy no-bake option

Tools & Tips for Success

Use a 9×13 pan lined with parchment for easy lifting
Make sure cream cheese is room temperature to avoid lumps
Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes so it doesn’t go soggy
Use cold butter in your streusel so it stays crumbly
For deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them
And if you’re in the fall baking mood, don’t miss our Mini Apple Pies for a rustic, flaky treat

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Step 1 – Make the crust

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press the mixture firmly into your pan and bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly

Step 2 – Prepare the cheesecake layer

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, and mix again. Pour this creamy mixture over the crust and smooth it out

Step 3 – Toss the apples

In another bowl, mix diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread this apple mixture over the cheesecake layer

Step 4 – Add the streusel topping

In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly. Stir in pecans if using. Sprinkle over the apples

Step 5 – Bake and chill

Bake the bars at 350°F for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top is golden. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours

Step 6 – Make the caramel sauce

While the bars chill, make the caramel. In a saucepan, heat sugar and water until golden. Carefully whisk in cream, butter, and salt. Let cool slightly before using

Step 7 – Slice and drizzle

Once chilled, lift the bars out with parchment, slice into squares, and drizzle each one with warm caramel before serving. You’ll want to lick the plate

Storage, Serving & Freezing Tips

Chill the bars fully before cutting for clean slices
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days
Reheat briefly in the microwave if you like them warm
Bars can be frozen (without caramel) for up to 3 months. Just thaw and drizzle before serving
Pair them with a hot drink and one or two Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies for the perfect fall moment

Variations and Add-In Ideas

You can even turn these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars into minis using a muffin pan for cute single servings

Use crushed gingersnaps or shortbread for the crust
Add cardamom, ginger, or a pinch of clove to the apple layer
Top with oats for a crumbier streusel
Swap in gluten-free flour and crackers for an allergy-friendly version
Use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream to make them dairy-free
Or, if you’re in a no-bake mood, try our Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip instead

FAQs About Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Try These Cozy Fall Treats Next

Serve these bars beside a tray of Mini Apple Pies for an apple-lover’s dream
These Chewy Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies add cozy spice to your dessert table
Make it a full dip-and-drizzle party with our Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip

Follow us on Pinterest for more fall coziness, or hang with us on Facebook for weekly new

Print