Paul’s favorite fruit desserts always have apples in them, from German apple cake to apple hand pie cookies. So these rich, sweet cheesecake bars filled with thoughtfully spiced apples and topped with crumb topping and caramel were inevitable in our household. Inspired by our hugely popular caramel apples and caramel apple pie, this caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe captures the magic with layers of buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-kissed apple filling, and a sweet caramel drizzle—perfect for a dessert recipe you’ll crave all year! There’s so much to love about these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. The buttery shortbread crust provides a delicious base that holds up the creamy cheesecake and tart apple layers. And that rich, homemade caramel sauce on top? It’s the finishing touch that makes every bite simply irresistible! For more apple sweet treats and dessert ideas, check out my recipes for Homemade Apple Cinnamon Rolls, Easy Caramel Apple Dip, No-Bake Caramel Apple Eclair Cake, and Apple Pie Ice Cream—you’ll love every bite!
Why We Love This Recipe
The layers are fabulous with a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy cheesecake center, and tart apple filling topped with sweet streusel. Every bite delivers a perfect combination of flavors and textures. It’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. These bars are easy to make, can be cut into bite-sized portions, and are ideal for sharing at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or just cozy evenings in. That homemade caramel drizzle is the cherry on top! It’s rich, buttery, and the perfect complement to the tart apple flavor, making each bar a complete dessert on its own.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure for both the shortbread crust and the streusel topping. Brown Sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the crust and the streusel, bringing depth to every layer. Salted Butter – Gives the crust and streusel their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Use softened butter for best results! Cream Cheese – Full-fat cream cheese ensures a creamy, luxurious cheesecake layer that pairs perfectly with the tart apples. Granulated Sugar – Sweetens up the cheesecake filling and the caramel sauce. Eggs – Adds richness and structure to the cheesecake layer. Pure Vanilla Extract – A classic flavor enhancer that balances the richness of the cream cheese and adds warmth. Granny Smith Apples – Their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake. Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg – These warm spices add cozy fall flavors to the apple filling and streusel topping. Oats – Adds a bit of texture and nuttiness to the streusel, making it extra delicious. Heavy Cream – Essential for making the caramel sauce rich, creamy, and smooth.
How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Tips for Success
For the creamiest cheesecake layer, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling. Press the shortbread crust firmly into the pan to create a sturdy base for your bars. This will help the layers hold together beautifully when cut. Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance with the sweet caramel and creamy cheesecake layers. Chill the bars fully before cutting. This not only helps with neat slices but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even tastier dessert. Don’t skip the caramel drizzle! It’s the finishing touch that takes these bars from delicious to absolutely divine.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap Granny Smith apples for other tart varieties, like Honeycrisp, if you prefer a slightly sweeter apple flavor. Use gluten-free flour in place of all-purpose flour if you need a gluten-free option—just be sure it’s a 1:1 baking blend for best results. For a nutty twist, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping. They’ll add extra crunch and a warm, toasty flavor. Prefer a quicker option? Use store-bought caramel sauce instead of homemade to save a little time without sacrificing taste. For a twist on the classic, try using pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’ll add a little extra fall flair to the apple filling!
More Dessert Bars Recipes You’re Going to Love
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars Salted Caramel Cheesecake Bars Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars Easy No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars Oreo Cheesecake Bars Pecan Pie Bars Classic 7 Layer Bars Smores Bars Recipe
For a cozy fall treat, serve with a hot cup of spiced apple cider or a Mexican Hot Chocolate. The spices in these drinks will complement the cinnamon and nutmeg in the bars, adding a delightful warmth to each bite.
