Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – A Buttery, Gooey Fall Favorite

When the air turns crisp and apples are in season, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a batch of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. These bars combine the best of three desserts: a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake layer, and a sweet-tart apple topping drizzled with golden caramel. They’re easy to make, slice beautifully, and are always a hit at fall gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

Three irresistible layers – Crunchy crust, creamy cheesecake, and gooey caramel apples.
Perfect for fall – A great way to use seasonal apples.
Easy to make ahead – Chill and slice when ready to serve.
Portable and shareable – Great for parties, bake sales, or gifting.
Customizable – Use your favorite apples or add a crumble topping.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz (two 8-oz packages) cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Topping:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Caramel Drizzle:

½ cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly moistened.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.

Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla extract.

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping

In a bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and lemon juice until well coated.

Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Bake

Bake the bars for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.

Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to fully set.

Step 5: Add the Caramel Drizzle

Once chilled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment overhang.

Drizzle generously with caramel sauce.

Slice into squares and serve.

Time & Yield

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: ~4 hours
Yield: 16 bars
Calories: ~280 kcal per bar (approximate)

Tips for Success

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts.
Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet caramel.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Variations to Try

Add a streusel topping for extra crunch.
Use gingersnap crumbs instead of graham crackers for a spiced crust.
Try pear instead of apple for a twist.
Add chopped pecans to the apple layer for nutty texture.
Swirl caramel into the cheesecake layer before baking for extra richness.

Perfect For…

Thanksgiving dessert tables
Fall potlucks and bake sales
Cozy weekend baking
Holiday gifting
Apple season celebrations

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are everything you love about fall desserts in one bite: buttery, creamy, fruity, and sweet. With their layered textures and warm spices, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these bars are sure to become a seasonal favorite.