Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 225 min
Ingredients: For the Crust; 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; 6 tbsp melted butter; ¼ cup brown sugar; For the Cheesecake Layer; 16 oz cream cheese (softened); ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; For the Apple Layer; 2 medium apples (peeled + finely diced); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp brown sugar; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; For the Caramel Topping; ½ cup caramel sauce (salted or classic); Optional: pinch of sea salt

Author: recipeinnovation

Published: November 18, 2025

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that blends cozy fall flavors with creamy indulgence, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine the richness of cheesecake, the sweetness of caramel, and the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples—all layered beautifully over a buttery crust. Whether you love caramel slice, salted caramel cheesecake, or classic fall baking, these bars offer the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and comforting.

These bars taste like a cross between caramel apple slices, cheesecake squares, and a soft caramel brownie bar. They’re elegant enough for parties yet easy enough for weeknight baking, making them a must-add to your dessert collection. Once you try them, you’ll understand why so many bakers consider this one of the most irresistible fall desserts ever.

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

There are countless cheesecake-inspired recipes, but this one stands out for several delicious reasons:

✨ Layered Perfection

Every bite includes a buttery crust, a smooth cheesecake center, warm apples, and a finishing drizzle of caramel. The layers melt together in the most satisfying way.

✨ Perfect Fall Flavor

If you love apple pie, cinnamon desserts, and caramel treats, this recipe hits every note. It’s like taking all your favorite fall flavors and baking them into one dessert.

✨ Easier Than Cheesecake

These bars give you all the flavor of salted caramel cheesecake without the complexity of a water bath or long cooling process.

✨ Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

Bring these to a gathering and watch them disappear. They taste like something from a high-end bakery, yet they’re simple enough for anyone to make.

✨ Versatile & Customizable

Use salted caramel, swirl in extra cinnamon, or top with chopped nuts. They’re easy to adjust to your taste—similar to how recipes like caramel brownies allow creative mix-ins.

Ingredients You Need

For the Crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
6 tbsp melted butter
¼ cup brown sugar

For the Cheesecake Layer

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer

2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon

For the Caramel Drizzle

½ cup caramel sauce (salted or classic)
Optional: a pinch of sea salt

This blend creates a flavor profile similar to apple pie meets salted caramel cake, but in a smooth, creamy cheesecake bar form.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

1. Prepare the Crust

Mix the graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly into an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 minutes to set.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked crust, smoothing it evenly.

3. Prepare the Apple Topping

Toss diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Sprinkle the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

This gives the bars that irresistible flavor similar to caramel apple slices, but with creamy cheesecake richness.

4. Bake the Bars

Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until the center is just set.
Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours for clean cuts.

5. Add the Caramel Finish

Drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the chilled bars.
For extra decadence (and that salted caramel cheesecake vibe), sprinkle sea salt on top.

Serving Ideas

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are incredible on their own, but you can elevate them even more:

Serve with vanilla ice cream for a caramel-apple-sundae effect
Add crushed pecans or walnuts for crunch
Drizzle extra caramel before serving to mimic a bakery-style caramel slice
Pair with hot coffee or chai tea for a cozy fall moment

They also make a beautiful contribution to dessert tables, potlucks, and holiday meals.

Tips for Success

Use room-temperature cream cheese for the smoothest cheesecake layer.
Dice the apples finely to ensure they soften properly when baked.
Line your pan with parchment so the bars lift out easily.
Chill before slicing to get clean, neat squares.
Use salted caramel if you want deeper, richer flavor.

If you like experimenting with recipes similar to caramel brownies, try swirling caramel directly into the cheesecake before adding apples.

Storing & Freezing

Refrigerate: last 5–6 days in an airtight container
Freeze (best without caramel topping): up to 2 months
Thaw: overnight in the refrigerator

Before serving, drizzle fresh caramel on top to bring back the luxurious finish.

FAQs About Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes! Any caramel topping works, including salted caramel.

Can I make these with other fruits?
Absolutely. Pears work very well and create a flavor similar to caramel pear tart.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free graham crackers and the rest of the recipe stays the same.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes—bake it in a 9×13 pan and add 8–10 minutes to the bake time.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine everything you love about fall desserts—cozy cinnamon apples, rich caramel, and creamy cheesecake—all layered into the perfect handheld treat. Whether you love classic caramel slice, crave salted caramel cake, enjoy bakery-style caramel brownies, or simply want a warm, comforting dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.