Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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Imagine biting into a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a luscious layer of creamy cheesecake, topped with warm cinnamon apples and a rich caramel drizzle. That’s what these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars deliver in every square. This dessert bridges the gap between comforting fall flavors and decadent, crowd-pleasing indulgence.

Whether you’re preparing a treat for the holidays, a cozy weekend, or just want something special after dinner, these bars are a guaranteed hit. They bring the crisp sweetness of caramel apples into a rich, velvety cheesecake format, all while being much easier to serve than a traditional cake.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

Granny Smith apples are ideal thanks to their tart bite, which balances beautifully against the sweetness of caramel and cheesecake. However, Honeycrisp or Braeburn varieties also work if you prefer a slightly sweeter profile.

Ingredients for the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Graham cracker crumbs – Essential for that classic buttery base that holds everything together.

Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps bind the crust.

Cream cheese – The heart of the cheesecake filling. Go for full-fat for the best texture.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake and the apple layer just right.

Vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor depth of both the filling and topping.

Eggs – Help set the cheesecake filling perfectly.

Apples – Fresh, peeled, and diced for that signature apple pie-like topping.

Brown sugar – Melts into the apples for a caramel-like flavor base.

Cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting spice.

Cornstarch – Thickens the apple mixture so it layers nicely.

Caramel sauce – The crowning glory that ties all the flavors together.

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How To Make the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Build the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment. Mix 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/2 cup melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden. Let it cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

Beat 3 (8 oz) blocks of cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing gently. Pour over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Step 3: Make the Apple Topping

In a skillet, cook 3 peeled and diced apples with 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until tender and thickened. Let it cool slightly before layering over the cheesecake.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled bars at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes until the center is just set. Cool to room temp, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Add the Caramel Drizzle

Once chilled and set, cut into bars and drizzle generously with your favorite caramel sauce before serving.

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How to Serve and Store These Bars

Serve chilled straight from the fridge, especially if you want neat, clean slices. For a more decadent experience, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so the caramel and cheesecake layers soften slightly.

To store, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual bars (without caramel drizzle) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

What to Serve With Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

Spiced Chai Latte

The warm spices in chai beautifully complement the cinnamon apple topping.

Salted Nuts

A small handful of almonds or pecans add a salty contrast to the sweet, creamy bars.

Whipped Cream

A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness and flair.

Apple Cider

A warm mug of cider enhances the apple-forward flavor profile.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Especially great if serving the bars slightly warm—instant dessert heaven.

Espresso or Dark Coffee

Cuts through the sweetness and brings a deep, roasted contrast.

Mulled Wine

For a cozy, adult pairing on a fall evening.

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Want More Dessert Bar Ideas?

If you’re all about that bar life, you might also love:

• Twix Cookie Cups for a crunchy caramel twist.
• Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie with rich fruity layers.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast Bites for a brunchy sweet treat.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole if you want to keep the indulgence going.
• Cream Cheese Flan for a silky-smooth, creamy finale.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the caramel drizzle or keep it light? Maybe you added a touch of nutmeg?

I love seeing how you make these bars your own. Got questions? Drop them below—we’re all about delicious dessert wins here.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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