Dessert

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe October 25, 2025October 25, 2025

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the warm flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples with creamy cheesecake and a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy dessert treat, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and tangy in every bite.

A square piece of dessert with three visible layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is dense and light brown with a crumbly texture. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and off-white, looking soft and smooth. The top layer is a golden crumb topping that looks crunchy with small clumps, drizzled with a shiny caramel sauce in a wavy pattern. Some small crumb bits are scattered around the dessert on the plate. In the background, part of a woman's hand holding a utensil is slightly visible, and a blue and white cloth is under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Golden Delicious apples
2 large eggs
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar (divided)
2 sticks (1 cup) cold butter
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 jar caramel topping
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar (for crumb topping)
1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 stick (1/2 cup) cold butter (for crumb topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup cold butter using a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 13×9-inch pan or cookie sheet with edges. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the warm crust.
Step 4: In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Spoon this apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 5: Prepare the crumb topping by combining 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup oats in a small bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this evenly over the apple layer.
Step 6: Bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is set. Once cooled, drizzle the bars with caramel topping. Refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier contrast to the sweet cheesecake and caramel.
For extra texture, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the crumb topping.
Make sure the butter is cold when cutting into the flour mixtures to achieve a flaky crust and crumb topping.

Storage

Store the caramel apple cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can be served chilled or brought to room temperature. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

How to Serve

A square dessert bar with three clear layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface with a blue and white cloth nearby. The bottom layer is a dense, golden-brown crust that looks firm and smooth. The middle layer is thick and creamy, pale yellow in color, with a slightly soft texture. The top layer is crumbly with light golden crumbs, scattered unevenly, and drizzled with a glossy, rich caramel sauce flowing in thin, wavy lines across the surface. Small crumbs are scattered around the plate, enhancing the homemade feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute Golden Delicious with other apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith depending on your preferred sweetness or tartness.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the bars up to 24 hours in advance and keep them refrigerated. Add the caramel topping just before serving for the best presentation.

Olivia Monroe