Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; ¼ cup sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup sugar; ½ cup sour cream; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups peeled and diced apples; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 cup sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ tsp sea salt

Highlighted under: Sweet Dessert Recipes

I absolutely love making Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, especially when the weather turns cool. The combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, tender apples topped with rich caramel sauce is simply irresistible. There’s something so satisfying about the blending of flavors and textures in this recipe that makes it perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, and once you try them, I guarantee they’ll become a favorite in your home just like they are in mine.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T14:14:28.020Z

When I first experimented with Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, I knew I had to highlight the seasonal flavors of apple and caramel. By blending cream cheese with apples that I sautéed in cinnamon and sugar, I found the perfect balance of creamy and fruity. Using a graham cracker crust added the right amount of crunch. Baking the bars ensures that they come together beautifully, allowing the flavors to meld.

One of my favorite tips is to make your caramel sauce from scratch; it takes just a few minutes and tastes incredible. I find that homemade sauce adds depth that store-bought options simply can’t match. These bars truly bring a slice of comfort to any occasion!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Decadent layers of cheesecake and caramel in every bite.
A perfect blend of sweet and tart from the apples.
Ideal for sharing at parties or keeping all to yourself!

Perfecting the Crust

The crust is the foundation of your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, so it’s essential to get it right. Use finely crushed graham cracker crumbs for a smooth texture; if you prefer, you can substitute them with crushed digestive biscuits for a slightly different flavor. When mixing the crumbs with melted butter and sugar, ensure the mixture resembles wet sand before pressing it firmly into the baking pan. This helps create a sturdy base that won’t crumble when you cut your bars.

After pressing the crust into the pan, bake it for about 10 minutes until it's slightly golden. This step is crucial to firming up the base, which will support the creamy filling on top. If desired, you can enhance the flavor of the crust by adding a tablespoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced touch that complements the apples beautifully.

Choosing and Preparing Apples

Selecting the right apples is key to achieving the perfect blend of flavors in your cheesecake bars. I recommend using a mix of sweet and tart varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. The tartness from Granny Smiths balances out the sweetness of the filling and caramel, while Honeycrisp adds a juicy sweetness. Make sure to peel and dice the apples into small pieces, around half an inch in size, to ensure they soften nicely during baking.

If you want to prepare the apples ahead of time, you can toss them in a little lemon juice to prevent browning. This not only keeps them looking fresh but also adds a subtle brightness to the flavor. Avoid pre-cooking the apples, as they should retain some texture to contrast the creamy cheesecake filling.

Storing and Serving Tips

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars store beautifully! Once they have cooled completely, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and they will keep in the fridge for up to five days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Cut the bars and place them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container; they can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

When serving, I like to warm the caramel sauce slightly until it’s pourable; this adds a delightful touch when drizzled over the bars just before serving. For extra flair, top each portion with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the presentation and add a pleasing crunch.

Ingredients

For the crust

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup sugar

For the cheesecake filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup sugar
½ cup sour cream
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups peeled and diced apples
1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the caramel sauce

1 cup sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
½ tsp sea salt

Instructions

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9x9 inch baking pan.

Make the filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Stir in the diced apples and cinnamon, then pour the filling over the crust.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the cheesecake is set and lightly golden around the edges. Remove from the oven and cool completely.

Prepare the caramel sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar and butter. Stir until melted and golden. Gradually stir in heavy cream and sea salt; cook for an additional minute.

Assemble and serve

Once the cheesecake is cooled, drizzle the homemade caramel sauce over the top. Slice into bars and enjoy!

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding chopped nuts to the crust or topping the bars with crushed graham crackers before serving.

Variations to Try

While this recipe is incredibly satisfying as is, feel free to experiment with flavors! You could add a layer of chocolate ganache on top for a richer taste, or include chopped pecans or walnuts in the crust for added texture. A dash of nutmeg or cardamom in the cheesecake filling can provide an unexpected warmth that pairs wonderfully with the apple and caramel.

Another fun twist is to swap out the apples for pears, which will provide a different yet equally delicious experience. Both fruits complement the creamy cheesecake, and you can even mix them for a unique flavor profile. Just make sure the fruit is ripe and tender, enabling it to meld perfectly within the bars.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your cheesecake bars end up cracking on top, don’t worry! This is often due to overmixing or baking at a temperature that’s too high. For the next try, mix the filling just until smooth—overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks during baking. Additionally, using room temperature ingredients and allowing them to incorporate gently can help achieve a smooth texture without creating air pockets.

In case your bars don’t set properly after baking, it may need a bit more time in the oven. Keep an eye on them after the initial 30 minutes, and check for doneness by gently shaking the pan—there should be only a slight jiggle in the center. If they are still too runny, return them to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking frequently.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can, but homemade caramel offers a richer flavor and is easy to make!

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze these bars?

Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

→ What type of apples work best for this recipe?

I recommend using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith for sweetness and flavor contrast.