Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars You Can’t Resist

Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup melted butter; 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/4 cup sour cream; 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced thin; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 cup caramel sauce

October 1, 2025September 30, 2025 by Jake

Jump to Recipe

Fall is the perfect time to bake something sweet and cozy, and what better way to celebrate than with caramel apple cheesecake bars? These delightful treats combine the rich, creamy goodness of cheesecake with the sweet-tart flavor of apples and the indulgence of caramel drizzle. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or simply treating yourself, these bars will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup melted butter

Cheesecake Layer:

2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream

Apple Layer:

2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Caramel Drizzle:

1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well-coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer
In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Bars
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it into an even layer. Next, layer the caramelized apples on top of the cheesecake layer.

Step 6: Bake
Bake the bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is slightly golden. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set completely.

Step 7: Add the Caramel Drizzle
Once the bars are chilled and set, drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.

Tips for Success:

Use Tart Apples: The tartness of Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples balances out the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake, giving the bars a well-rounded flavor.
Make Your Own Caramel: For a homemade touch, try making your own caramel sauce. It’s surprisingly easy and adds an extra layer of flavor to your dessert!
Serve Chilled: These bars are best served cold. The cheesecake layer becomes firmer and more indulgent after chilling, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Variations:

Nutty Crunch: Add some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the caramelized apples for an extra crunch.
Spiced Up: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the apple mixture for a spicy kick.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars:

These cheesecake bars are the ultimate dessert to satisfy all your cravings. The creamy, smooth cheesecake pairs beautifully with the spiced apples and sweet caramel. Each bite is like a perfect autumn day in dessert form — warm, comforting, and simply irresistible.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next gathering or just want to treat yourself to something special, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars will become your go-to fall dessert. Enjoy every bite!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are great choices for their tartness and texture, you can experiment with other apples like Fuji or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may need less brown sugar when caramelizing.

Can I substitute the graham cracker crust?

Yes! If you prefer a different crust, you can use crushed shortbread cookies, oatmeal cookies, or even a mixture of crushed pretzels for a salty-sweet twist.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! These cheesecake bars actually taste even better after they’ve had time to set in the fridge. You can make them a day or two ahead of time, making them perfect for meal prep or parties.

Want more decorating ideas? Take a peek at our Cupcake decorating inspiration for themed events and Heart-themed treats similar to vampire-inspired cupcakes.