Layers of fall flavor in every bite!
If autumn had a dessert, it would be these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars — rich, creamy cheesecake meets spiced apples and buttery crumble topping, all drizzled with gooey caramel. 🍁 They’re the perfect treat for cozy gatherings, holiday potlucks, or a weekend baking project that fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and apples. Easy to make ahead and slice for sharing, these bars deliver all the flavor of classic apple pie with the smooth indulgence of cheesecake — no water bath required!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Servings: 12–16 bars
📝 Ingredients List
For the crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the apple layer:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
For the crumble topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
For the drizzle:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 9×9-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan (optional, for caramel)
- Wire cooling rack
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & prep: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8 minutes and set aside.
- Mix the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until creamy. Spread evenly over cooled crust.
- Prepare the apple layer: In a small bowl, toss chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cheesecake layer. 🍏
- Add crumble topping: Mix flour, oats, and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apple layer.
- Bake: Bake 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and center is just set. Cool completely on a wire rack.
- Chill & drizzle: Refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for that irresistible glossy finish. 😋
💡 Pro Tips
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze (without caramel) for up to 2 months.
- Serving idea: Warm slightly and top with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
- Crust swap: Try gingersnap crumbs instead of graham crackers for a spicier, festive twist.
- Caramel hack: Microwave caramel sauce for 10 seconds to make drizzling easier!