Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These caramel apple cheesecake bars are perfect for fall! They have a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, cinnamon apples, oat cinnamon streusel, and salted caramel! They are a perfect fall dessert.

These caramel apple cheesecake bars are layers of amazing dessert that make a perfect combination. The creamy cheesecake, tender cinnamon apples, and crispy streusel topping make every bite a joy! It is one of my all time favorite fall desserts!

For more apple recipes, try Apple Cider Muffins, Puff Pastry Apple Tart, and Apple Cinnamon Rolls.

Why This Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe Works

• Creamy cheesecake- This creamy cheesecake filling is rich and delicious. It is the highlight of any dessert!
• Cinnamon apple filling- The cinnamon apple layer baked in tastes like a fresh apple pie! It is perfect if you are craving apple desserts.
• Streusel topping- The crisp topping combined with the apple layer feels like eating an apple crumble right on top of the cheesecake!
• Drizzle of Caramel- The caramel drizzle on top brings the whole dessert together, especially if you make it homemade!

Ingredient Notes for Caramel Apples Cheesecake Bars

Here are some notes on the ingredients. For a full list of ingredients, check out the recipe card below.

• Unsalted butter- Melt this before you need it so it has time to cool
• Cream cheese- Take this out 2 hours before baking to get to room temperature.
• Sour cream- Take this out 2 hours before baking to get to room temperature.
• Eggs- Take these out 2 hours before baking to get to room temperature.
• Salted caramel- You can use store-bought caramel or for an even better caramel, make your own! For detailed instructions on how to make the homemade salted caramel sauce see this homemade salted recipe.
• Quick oats- Use quick oats, not old fashioned oats.
• Electric mixer- This recipe does require an electric mixer. A hand mixer or a stand mixer with paddle attachment will work.

Ingredient Substitutions

Graham crackers- If you live in a country without graham crackers you can substitute digestive biscuits.

Gala apples- You can substitute in other apple varieties with a similar amount of juice and sweetness. I recommend Fuji as an alternative or Granny Smith if you prefer tart apples. I do not recommend Honeycrisp as it is too juicy and will add too much moisture.

Dairy free- You can use your favorite dairy free options for this recipe!

Gluten free- I haven’t tested this gluten free. Let me know if you do.

Step By Step Instructions – Graham Cracker Crust, Brown Sugar Streusel, and Cinnamon Apples

Here is how to make and bake the crust, streusel topping, and cinnamon apples for the caramel apple cheesecake bars.

STEP 1: Prep. Preheat the oven to 325°F and spray a 9X9 inch pan with baking spray. Line it with parchment paper across the bottom and running up 2 sides enough to use as handles later. Finally, spray it again.

STEP 2: Blend crust. Use a food processor to blend the graham crackers into a fine crumb. Use a small bowl and fork to mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar.

STEP 3: Form crust. Pour the crust mixture into the prepared pan. Compact it onto the bottom of the pan using the back of a measuring cup. Do not press it up the sides of the pan.

STEP 4: Bake crust. Bake the crust for 12 minutes.

STEP 5: Mix streusel. While the crust is baking mix the streusel. Use a small bowl and combine brown sugar, all purpose flour, cinnamon, quick oats, and melted butter. Mix it with a fork, then place the bowl in the fridge to solidify until it is needed.

STEP 6: Coat apples. While the crust is still baking, cut the apples into cubes. Use a large bowl and mix the apples with the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they are coated.

Step By Step Instructions – Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Here is how to make and bake the caramel apple cheesecake bars. Start this section once the crust is done baking and begins to cool.

STEP 1: Beat cream cheese and sugar. Use a mixer to beat the cream cheese and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes.

STEP 2: Mix cheesecake batter. Mix the sour cream, salted caramel, and vanilla extract into the cream cheese mixture on medium speed for 1 minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl, then add the eggs and mix on low speed until combined.

STEP 3: Pour. Pour the cheesecake on top of the crust and smooth it into an even layer with a rubber spatula. Place the chopped apples on top and spread them evenly. Finally, the streusel on top.

STEP 4: Bake. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes. You do not need a water bath for these. It is done baking when the edges are set and the middle only has a slight jiggle.

STEP 5: Cool. Turn the oven off and crack the door open. Let the cheesecake cool like that for 30 minutes before taking it out and setting it on a cooling rack to cool completely.

STEP 6: Chill. Once completely cooled, cover the pan with aluminum foil and chill it in the fridge overnight or at least 6 hours.

STEP 7: Cut and serve. Take the cheesecake bars out of the pan and cut them into bars. Drizzle salted caramel topping over top. Serve them immediately, or place them back in the fridge until needed.

Expert Baking Tips

• Make sure you get your dairy ingredients to room temperature before using them so that you will have a creamy and smooth cheesecake. Cold ingredients can can affect the texture.
• Be sure to chill the bars for at least 6 hours to set the cheesecake.
• If you want clean and pretty cuts, wash a sharp knife between each cut.
• If you make homemade caramel with this recipe it will taste the best and you will have leftovers for more desserts later!

FAQ

Recipe Variations

• You can use tart granny smith apples for a more tart variation!
• For thinner bars you can bake this in a 9X13 pan. You will need to double the apples and the streusel and shorten your baking time.

Special Tools

• 9X9 pan: I use metal square pans for baking. I don’t recommend glass pans.
• Parchment paper: I use premade sheets of parchment paper vs the roll of parchment paper. It makes baking a lot easier!
• Baking spray: I use the nonstick spray that has flour in it.
• Offset spatula: I use this to easily spread the frosting or fillings.

Storing and Freezing

Store these caramel apple cheesecake bars in an airtight container. Store in the fridge up to 5 days.

You can freeze the caramel apple cheesecake bars in individual slices. Store in an airtight container and freeze up to 30 days. Thaw for 1-2 hours before eating.

Other Cheesecake Bar Recipes To Try

Try these cheesecake recipes too!

• Apple Cider Cheesecake
• Nutella Cheesecake
• Cheesecake Brownies
• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake
• Oreo Cheesecake Cookies

Make sure to leave a STAR REVIEW if you loved this recipe! Make sure to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.