Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 255 min
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup salted butter (slightly softened and cut into cubes); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 apples (peeled and diced into 1/4-1/2 inch pieces ); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; dash nutmeg; 12 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened at room temperature); 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 whole egg; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup old fashioned oats; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup salted butter (very soft); 1/4-1/2 cup caramel sauce

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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are layered with a shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, cinnamon apple filling, a brown sugar streusel, and caramel drizzle! They are easy to make and makes a perfect Fall dessert!

PIN these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars to try later!

If you love apple desserts, try my Mini Apple Pie Cheesecake Bites!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These decadent Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are packed with apple pie flavor, in a creamy cheesecake layer on a buttery crust. It doesn’t get any better than this especially for apple pie and cheesecake lovers!

Since apples are always in season, you can make these any time of year but this makes the ultimate Fall dessert because of the warm flavors. You can make these bars days ahead of time and will be worth every minute of your time. Perfect for holidays, special occasions and feeding a crowd.

Everyone will love all the sweet layers in this dessert recipe and the caramel drizzle on top of the crumbly sweet streusel. This delicious apple dessert will be a new favorite and you’ll be adding it to your Fall baking list each year.

Other dessert bars to try is my Pumpkin Pie Bars, Chocolate Caramel Bars, and Pumpkin Banana Bread Bars.

Stack of apple pie cheesecake bars with ice cream on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You can easily make this a 2-3 days ahead of time. It will taste even better since the cheesecake will have time to sit and chill.

Makes the perfect Fall dessert and packed with warm flavors.

No water bath is required for these bars- woohoo!

Has the same flavors of apple pie in a cheesecake form.

Makes a decadent dessert for any occasion or holiday. Everyone will love these bars!

key ingredients

Cream cheese: Softened and full-fat cream cheese works best with this recipe.
Sugars: We use both granulated sugar and brown sugar to add sweetness.
Egg: Adds richness and gives these cheesecake a rich and creamy texture. The egg will also make the cheesecake batter smooth.
Pure vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors.
Apples: Any type of apple will work. I use a combination of different apples. Granny Smith apples work great because the tart apples pair well with the sweet flavors.
Caramel: My favorite part! Make your own homemade caramel sauce from scratch or use store-bought caramel sauce. Drizzle as much or as little as you desire.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg makes this dessert taste like Fall!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bar on plate with bite taken out.

how to make apple pie cheesecake bars

Make crust: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk together the flour and sugar and use a pastry cutter to incorporate the cubed butter until dough pieces start to form. Then use your hand to form the crust mixture into a dough. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper and press the dough into an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes or until the top is a light golden brown and remove from the oven.

Make cheesecake mixture: In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in egg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Beat again until combined, be sure to scrape the sides down with a rubber spatula.

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the warm shortbread crust and smooth out with the back of a spoon or spatula to get an even layer.

Make apple mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Mix just until combined. Top the cheesecake with the apples in an even layer.

Make streusel: In a small bowl, combine all of the streusel ingredients together and mix with a fork or your hands until crumbs form. Sprinkle the topping all over the apples.

Bake cheesecake bars: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set. Cool completely then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours or overnight. Drizzle caramel sauce on top, then cut into 12 bars and serve. Enjoy!

tips & variations

Softened cream cheese: It’s extremely important that the cream cheese is at room temperature and soft enough to blend together smoothly to create an extra creamy texture.
Topping: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent dessert.
Add-ins: Chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, and chopped nuts make great additions.
Cheesecake crust: Instead of using a shortbread pie crust, use a traditional graham cracker crust instead.
Bar size: Cut into 12 large bars or 20 mini bars.

Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars cut into bars.

leftovers & storage

Leftover cheesecake bars can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container or cover dish tightly with plastic wrap for up to 5 days.

Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply defrost on the counter for 4-6 hours and enjoy. You can also thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

f&q

Make Ahead

Prepare crust and cheesecake filling up to 3 days in advance. Cover unbaked cheesecake and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.When ready to bake, make apples and streusel topping and assemble according to recipe.