Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery shortbread base with a thick, creamy cheesecake layer and spiced Granny Smith apples. Finished with a crunchy oat streusel and a decadent caramel drizzle, they are the perfect dessert for any autumn gathering or holiday party.

Why You Will Love Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

This recipe is a massive hit because it takes the best parts of an apple crisp and a cheesecake and combines them into easy-to-serve dessert bars. You will love the thick cheesecake layer, which has been increased from the original version to ensure the perfect ratio of creamy filling to crust. They are ideal for feeding a crowd and can be prepared in advance, making your hosting duties much simpler.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

• Shortbread Crust: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar, and 1 cup softened butter.
• Cheesecake Filling: 3 packages (8 ounces each) softened cream cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
• Apple Layer: 3 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped), 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
• Streusel Topping: 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats, and 1/2 cup softened butter.
• The Drizzle: 1/2 cup of your favorite thick caramel topping to use after baking.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

1. Prepare the Base: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar for the crust. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture is crumbly. Press this evenly into a 9×13 baking pan (greased or lined) and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
2. Whip the Cheesecake: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Stir to combine and pour the mixture over the warm crust.
3. Prepare the Apples: In a small bowl, stir together the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon the seasoned apples evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4. Mix the Streusel: In a separate bowl, combine the streusel ingredients. Use your clean hands to thoroughly work the butter into the flour, sugar, and oats until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this over the apple layer.
5. Bake and Set: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the filling is set. Allow the bars to come to room temperature, then store them in the refrigerator to chill completely.
6. Serve: Drizzle with caramel topping just before serving and enjoy!

Expert Tips for the Best Cheesecake Bars

To achieve the smoothest texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. When preparing the streusel, avoid using a food processor as it will grind the oats too finely; using your hands creates those perfect, chunky crumbs. For the best flavor balance, use Granny Smith apples, as their tartness cuts through the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake beautifully.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery shortbread base with a thick, creamy cheesecake layer and spiced Granny Smith apples. Finished with a crunchy oat streusel and a decadent caramel drizzle, they are the perfect dessert for any autumn gathering or holiday party.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 15 bars

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Shortbread Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar firmly packed
• 1 cup butter softened

Cheesecake Filling

• 3 packages cream cheese 8 ounces each, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Layer

• 3 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 1 cup brown sugar firmly packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/2 cup butter softened

The Drizzle

• 1/2 cup thick caramel topping

Equipment

• 9×13 baking pan
• Electric Mixer
• Pastry blender
• Mixing Bowls

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar for the crust. Cut in the butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture is crumbly. Press this evenly into a 9×13 baking pan (greased or lined) and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
   2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 cup butter
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla. Stir to combine and pour the mixture over the warm crust.
   3 packages cream cheese, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3. In a small bowl, stir together the chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon the seasoned apples evenly over the cream cheese layer.
   3 Granny Smith apples, 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
4. In a separate bowl, combine the streusel ingredients. Use your clean hands to thoroughly work the butter into the flour, sugar, and oats until it forms a crumbly texture. Sprinkle this over the apple layer.
   1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats, 1/2 cup butter
5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the filling is set. Allow the bars to come to room temperature, then store them in the refrigerator to chill completely.
6. Drizzle with caramel topping just before serving and enjoy!
   1/2 cup thick caramel topping

Notes

Expert TipsTo achieve the smoothest texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing.When preparing the streusel, avoid using a food processor as it will grind the oats too finely; using your hands creates those perfect, chunky crumbs.For the best flavor balance, use Granny Smith apples, as their tartness cuts through the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake beautifully.StorageOnce cooled, these bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days. Freezing is possible for up to 4 months (add caramel after thawing).

Frequently Asked Questions