Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are where autumn flavor and dessert indulgence collide. Think rich cheesecake layered over a buttery crust, topped with sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and finished with a drizzle of golden caramel. Every bite is creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tart—a full-on fall dessert experience in bar form.
These bars are perfect for when you want the flavor of cheesecake without the fuss of a springform pan. They’re easy to slice, serve, and transport, making them ideal for potlucks, parties, or a cozy evening treat.
The layers make all the difference. The base is a crisp, buttery shortbread. The center is smooth, tangy cheesecake. And the top? Tender, cinnamon-apple slices that soften in the oven, then get dressed with rich caramel just before serving.
You can make these ahead of time and chill until ready to serve, which makes them as practical as they are irresistible. They also cut beautifully and hold their shape, so they’re as pretty on a dessert tray as they are on your plate.
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh apples to create something truly special. It hits that perfect note between cozy and decadent.
Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or just satisfying a seasonal craving, these bars are a guaranteed hit.
Servings
16 bars
Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: ~3 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the apple topping:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the caramel drizzle:
- 1/3 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine crust ingredients until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla and eggs; mix until fully combined.
- Pour cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust.
- Toss chopped apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until center is set.
- Cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours.
- Drizzle with caramel before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.
- Don’t skip the chill time—it helps the bars set and slice cleanly.
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Add chopped pecans or oats to the topping for crunch.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It captures the essence of apple pie and cheesecake in a convenient, crowd-pleasing bar. Creamy, sweet, and spiced—it’s fall baking at its best.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a layered masterpiece of buttery crust, creamy filling, spiced apples, and caramel drizzle. The ultimate cozy dessert that’s as easy to serve as it is to love.
