Welcome to your new favorite fall dessert: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! Imagine layers of rich flavor and delightful texture in every bite. These incredible bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling, a perfectly spiced apple topping, and a sweet, crumbly streusel. They are absolutely perfect for any autumn gathering or a cozy night in, promising to be a crowd-pleasing hit every time.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

You are going to adore making and sharing these delectable Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! This recipe delivers impressive results without being overly complicated. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your dessert repertoire:

Easy to make, impressive results. Despite looking fancy, these apple cheesecake bars are beginner-friendly and come together with simple steps.
Perfect balance of sweet and tart. The tart Granny Smith apples perfectly cut through the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake.
Buttery crust with a delightful crunch. The shortbread base is sturdy, flavorful, and provides an excellent textural contrast.
Creamy, smooth cheesecake layer. Our signature cheesecake filling is rich and velvety, melting in your mouth.
Warm, spiced apple topping. Cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the tender apples with comforting fall flavors.
Versatile for any occasion. These delightful apple streusel bars fit right in at a casual potluck or an elegant holiday dinner.
Excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare these bars in advance, making entertaining a breeze.

Ingredients

Gather your simple ingredients to create these fantastic Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Quality ingredients ensure the best flavor!

For the Shortbread Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Cheesecake Layer:

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Spiced Apple Topping:

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, diced (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Garnish (Optional):

1/2 cup caramel topping, for drizzling

Notes & Substitutions

Selecting the right ingredients makes a big difference in your baking. Here are a few tips.

Apples: Granny Smith apples offer the best tartness to balance the sweetness in this cheesecake dessert. For more information on how different varieties perform in baking, explore this guide to apple varieties for cooking and baking. Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well if you prefer a sweeter, firmer apple.
Butter: We recommend unsalted butter so you can control the salt content. If you only have salted butter, you can use it but slightly reduce any other added salt in the recipe.
Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat cream cheese and ensure it is at room temperature. As highlighted by culinary experts, room temperature cream cheese blends more smoothly, preventing lumps and creating a velvety cheesecake layer. This is crucial for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
Oats: Quick-cooking oats are ideal for the streusel topping as they provide a delicate texture. Rolled oats can be too chewy and might alter the desired crumbly consistency.
Canned Apple Pie Filling: While fresh apples are best, you can substitute 2 cans (21 ounces each) of apple pie filling. Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg, as canned filling is already spiced.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes baking these cheesecake bars even easier.

9×13 inch baking pan
Parchment paper or aluminum foil
Large mixing bowls
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
Pastry blender (or forks)
Measuring cups and spoons
Paring knife and cutting board

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your perfect Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Remember to read through everything first!

Step 1: Prepare the Crust.
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup cold butter with a pastry blender, food processor, or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking pan that is greased or lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes, or until it is lightly browned.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling.
While the crust bakes, beat the 3 softened cream cheese packages with 3/4 cup sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer at medium speed until completely smooth. Add the 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until just combined. Pour this creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm, par-baked crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping.
In a small bowl, stir together the 3 cups of diced Granny Smith apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Gently toss until the apples are well coated with the spice mixture. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer in the baking pan.

Step 4: Prepare the Streusel Topping.
In another small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats. Add 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed, to this mixture. Use your clean hands or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Avoid using a food processor for this step, as it can over-process the oats. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the spiced apples.

Step 5: Bake the Bars.
Place the pan back into the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the streusel topping is golden brown. The center of the cheesecake should have a slight jiggle. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature.

Step 6: Chill and Garnish.
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the pan to the refrigerator. Chill the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving. This chilling time helps the bars set properly and makes them easier to cut. Just before serving, drizzle generously with caramel topping. Cut into individual bars and enjoy this delightful fall treat!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve bakery-quality Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars every time with these helpful tips.

Achieving Perfect Apples: Dice your apples uniformly for even cooking and a tender texture throughout the bar. Avoid pre-sautéing the apples; they will soften beautifully during the baking process. Granny Smith apples offer the best flavor balance, providing a lovely tart contrast.
Preventing a Hard Crust: Do not over-mix your crust ingredients, which can develop gluten and make it tough. Press the crust firmly into the pan but avoid making it overly dense. Lining your pan properly with parchment paper ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
Smooth Cheesecake: Ensure both your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the batter, preventing lumps. Do not overbeat the cheesecake mixture once the eggs are added, as this can introduce too much air, leading to cracks.
Streusel Texture: Always use very cold butter when making the streusel topping. Cold butter creates those desirable distinct crumbs. Mix the streusel by hand or with a pastry blender to avoid grinding the oats, which would change the texture.

Serving, Storage & Variations

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a versatile dessert that’s easy to serve, store, and adapt.

Serving Suggestions

Serve them chilled for the best firm, creamy texture.
For a comforting treat, warm individual bars slightly in the microwave before serving.
Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
Offer extra caramel sauce on the side for those who love an extra drizzle.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store any leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled, unsauced bars in a single layer until firm. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. They will keep well for up to 4 months. Thaw frozen bars in the refrigerator overnight and drizzle with caramel before serving.

Flavor Variations

Different Apples: Experiment with other firm, tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for slightly different flavor profiles in your apple cheesecake bars.
Spices: Enhance the apple topping by adding a pinch of ground ginger, cardamom, or allspice for a warmer spice blend.
Nuts: Incorporate 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added crunch and nutty flavor.
Homemade Caramel: Elevate your dessert by making your own salted caramel sauce from scratch for an even richer drizzle.
Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra indulgent twist, add a delicate chocolate drizzle alongside the caramel.

Nutrition

Here’s a general overview of the nutritional content for these delicious bars. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	420
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	17g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	190mg
Total Carbohydrate	40g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Total Sugars	29g
Protein	5g

This information is for one bar, assuming 24 servings per 9×13 inch pan.

FAQ

Got questions about these delightful bars? We have answers!

Can I use other types of apples? Yes, you can! While Granny Smiths offer a great tart balance, firm, tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Gala will also work wonderfully in these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.
Why is my crust hard to cut? A hard crust often results from over-pressing the mixture into the pan or chilling the bars for too long. Ensure you press the crust firmly but gently, and let the bars warm up slightly at room temperature before slicing for easier cutting.
Do the apples need to be cooked before baking? No, the apples do not need to be cooked beforehand. They will soften perfectly during the baking process within the cheesecake layer, becoming tender and delicious.
Can I make these bars ahead of time? Absolutely! These apple streusel bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare and bake them up to two days in advance, storing them in the refrigerator, and then just drizzle with caramel before serving.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Use two separate 9×13 inch pans, or a larger sheet pan if you have one, adjusting the baking time as needed for a thicker dessert.

Conclusion

These amazing Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars truly offer the best of both worlds: creamy cheesecake and spiced apple pie in one irresistible package. Their simple preparation and incredible flavor make them an ideal choice for bakers of all skill levels. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this decadent treat. Don’t wait to try these delightful caramel apple cheesecake bars; you’ll be so glad you did! We’d love to hear how your bars turn out, so please share your thoughts in the comments below!