Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe – The Ultimate Fall Dessert 🍎🍮

A Sweet Fall Treat You’ll Want to Make Again and Again

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together everything you love about fall in one delicious bite. The buttery graham crust, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, and silky caramel drizzle create a dessert that’s rich, cozy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether served at a family dinner, fall potluck, or holiday gathering, these bars never fail to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet and tart: The Granny Smith apples add brightness to the creamy cheesecake.
Make-ahead friendly: Chill overnight for even better flavor.
Easy to slice and serve: Great for sharing at parties or potlucks.
Crowd favorite: A delightful twist on classic apple pie and cheesecake.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust

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

For the Cheesecake Layer

16 oz cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream

For the Apple Layer

3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt

For the Topping

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup brown sugar
⅜ cup cold butter, cubed

Optional Garnish

Warm caramel sauce for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then cool slightly.

2. Make the Cheesecake Layer

Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition.
Mix in vanilla extract and heavy cream.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

3. Prepare the Apple Layer

In a skillet, combine apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Cook over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften slightly.
Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

4. Add the Crumb Topping

In a small bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, pecans, and cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
Sprinkle evenly over the apples.

5. Bake and Chill

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the center is set.
Cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Slice into bars and drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.
Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors that capture the essence of fall.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesecake Bars

Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth filling.
Let the bars chill fully before slicing for neat, clean edges.
Replace pecans with walnuts or skip them for a nut-free version.
Add a sprinkle of coarse sea salt for a salted caramel twist.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars chilled with a drizzle of caramel and a dollop of whipped cream. They pair perfectly with coffee, chai, or hot apple cider for the ultimate fall experience.