Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Layers of shortbread crust, smooth cheesecake filling, cinnamon and nutmeg spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topping make up these fall favorite caramel apple cheesecake bars.

Why this recipe works

Combining cheesecake and apples is a no-brainer. But making it in a baking dish, topping with a sweet brown sugar streusel, slicing them into squares, and drizzling them with caramel takes these caramel apple cheesecake bars to a whole new level.

Caramel apple cheesecake bars are a great addition to your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dessert table with their warm fall spices and creamy smooth cheesecake filling, they’ll fit right in alongside a slice of no bake pumpkin cheesecake and caramel apple mimosas.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

APPLE – I recommend an apple that leans more on the tart side for this recipe as it pairs really well against the sweet cheesecake filling and streusel topping. We used Granny Smith but you can also use Pinky Lady, Braeburn, Jonagold, and even Honeycrisp as a sweeter apple.

STREUSEL – This crumbly sweet topping is made with butter, light brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. To make an oatmeal streusel topping, add 1/2 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats to the streusel mixture.

CRUST – The crust is a simple shortbread base. If desired, you can flavor the shortbread crust with 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

CARAMEL – You can use a store-bought sauce, or make your own with our caramel saucerecipe.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Add all ingredients for the apple filling to a bowl and stir to coat the apples. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. While the apple filling sits, make the shortbread base.
3. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line a 9×13 pan with a piece of foil so you can easily lift out the bars.
4. Cream together the butter and sugar in a large bowl. Beat in the flour and salt until well-combined.
5. Transfer the dough to the prepared pan and use your hands to spread it evenly into the bottom.
6. Bake until the shortbread is set along the outside, about 15 minutes. It won’t be fully cooked at this point.
7. While the shortbread base par-bakes, make the cheesecake filling.
8. Beat together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Beat in the eggs one at a time until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
9. For the streusel topping, add all ingredients to a bowl and combine with a fork (or your fingers) until crumbly.
10. Pour the cheesecake filling on top of the par-baked crust, and spread it out evenly.
11. Stir the apple mixture, and add it on top of the cheesecake filling in as even a layer as you can (including some of the juices, but not all if there is a lot of liquid).
12. Sprinkle the streusel on top of the apple mixture as evenly as possible.
13. Bake until the filling is set and the top is golden, about 35 minutes.
14. Cool completely before cutting. It’s best to let these bars cool to room temperature and then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours before cutting and serving. They will slice easier this way, and it lets the flavors develop. Serve drizzled with caramel sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Yes, absolutely! You can make these cheesecake bars a day, even two, in advance and store them in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator. Hold off on the caramel drizzle until you are ready to serve.

Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely before storing them in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your caramel apple cheesecake bars sliced on a platter so it’s easy for guests to grab and go. The caramel drizzle is optional, but always a welcome addition!

More Dessert Recipes

• Pecan Tassies
• Mini Pumpkin Pies
• Apple Pie Cookies
• Lemon Streusel Squares
• Cranberry Caramel Bars
• Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Mini Pumpkin Cheesecake

I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!