Go Back
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Easy Dessert Recipe for Fall

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Layers of buttery graham crust, silky cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced apples, crisp streusel, and homemade caramel come together in this fall-inspired dessert bar.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
Cheesecake Layer
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Layer
  • 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
Streusel Topping
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ tsp salt

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Make the crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon. Press into the prepared pan and bake 10 minutes. Cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Spread over crust.
  4. Make the apple layer: Toss apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread over cheesecake layer.
  5. Create the streusel: Mix flour and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in pecans, if using. Sprinkle over apples.
  6. Bake: Bake 45–50 minutes until streusel is golden and cheesecake is set. Cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours.
  7. Make the caramel sauce: Heat sugar and water over medium heat until dissolved. Increase heat and cook without stirring until amber, 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in cream. Add butter and salt; stir until smooth.
  8. Serve: Cut chilled bars and drizzle with warm caramel sauce.

Notes

Bars slice cleanest when chilled overnight. Store leftover caramel in the fridge for up to 1 week.