Description

Caramel apple cheesecake bars deliver the perfect fall dessert with a buttery graham cracker streusel crust, creamy cheesecake layer, cinnamon-spiced apples, and crunchy topping all drizzled with salted caramel. This easy recipe combines the best of apple pie and cheesecake in portable bars.

Ingredients

Scale

Graham Cracker Streusel (Crust and Topping):
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 15 full sheets)
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer:
24 oz (3 packages) full-fat cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Cinnamon Apples:
3 cups finely chopped Granny Smith apples (about 3 medium, peeled and cored)
3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
For Serving:
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 9×13-inch pan with parchment, overhang on sides.
Streusel Base: Pulse graham crackers to crumbs. Add brown sugar, oats, pecans, salt, butter. Pulse until sandy. Press half (~2 cups) into pan. Pre-bake 8-10 min. Cool slightly.
Cheesecake: Beat cream cheese + sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Pour over crust. Tap to release bubbles.
Apples: Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest. Spoon over cheesecake.
Sprinkle remaining streusel, press lightly. Bake 40-45 min until edges golden, center slight jiggle.
Cool 1 hour, chill 4+ hours. Lift out, drizzle caramel, slice into 24.

Notes

Expert Tips: Soften cream cheese fully. Chop apples small. Use hands for streusel clumps. Chill overnight for clean cuts. Tart apples balance sweetness.

Storage: Fridge 5 days airtight. Freeze 3 months (no caramel). Thaw overnight.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT50M
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320
Sugar: 22g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 65mg