Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 9 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats; ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced (about 1 ½ cups); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling

Get ready to fall in love with dessert all over again-these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are absolutely dreamy! Imagine layers of velvety cheesecake, tart-sweet cinnamon apples, and a rich caramel drizzle, all resting on a buttery streusel crust. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy, crisp, sweet, and spiced.

This one-pan bar dessert is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, whether you're hosting a cozy autumn gathering or just want something truly special for your family. It's the best way to enjoy cheesecake without the fuss, and the gooey caramel makes it downright irresistible.

Inspired by classic fall flavors and easy enough for any baker, these bars are a must-try for apple season or your next holiday table. They're honestly a family favorite at my house-guaranteed to disappear fast!

A close-up of gooey Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with drizzled caramel sauce

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Irresistible layers: Enjoy creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced apples, and buttery streusel in every bite.
Simple and stress-free: Bar form means easy prep and easy serving-no water bath or springform pan needed.
Perfect for a crowd: Makes a generous 9 servings and travels well for potlucks or parties.
Seasonal and adaptable: Apple, cinnamon, and caramel flavors are always a hit during fall and holidays.

Key Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is the heart of the cheesecake layer, making it rich, smooth, and tangy. For the creamiest texture, use full-fat cream cheese and make sure it's softened to room temperature before mixing. Low-fat varieties work in a pinch, but the result will be less decadent.

Apples

Diced apples bring juicy tartness and classic autumn flavor. Granny Smith apples are perfect for their firm texture and tang, but Honeycrisp or Fuji work too. Peel and dice them small for even baking. Feel free to mix varieties for more depth.

Caramel Sauce

A generous drizzle of caramel on top turns these bars into a true showstopper. Use your favorite store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or make a quick homemade version for extra wow factor. Salted caramel adds a sophisticated twist!

Old-Fashioned Oats

Oats add a craveable chewy texture to the streusel crust and topping. Old-fashioned rolled oats give the best bite, but quick oats will do if that's what you have-just avoid instant oats, which can get mushy.

Cinnamon

Ground cinnamon infuses the apples and streusel with cozy, fragrant spice. Freshly opened cinnamon packs the most punch. You can also add a little nutmeg or apple pie spice for a personal touch.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars cooking process

Instructions for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides for easy removal later. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray.

Make the Streusel Crust and Topping

In a large bowl, mix together flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the mixture clumps together. Press about ⅔ of this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan, forming the base. Reserve the rest for the topping.

Prepare the Apple Layer

In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and lemon juice. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the crust layer.

Mix the Cheesecake Filling

Beat softened cream cheese with ½ cup granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake mixture gently over the apples and spread into an even layer.

Assemble and Bake

Sprinkle the reserved streusel evenly over the cheesecake layer. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the topping is golden brown. The bars will jiggle slightly but should not be watery in the center.

Cool, Slice, and Drizzle

Let the pan cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (overnight is even better!) for clean slices. Lift out using the parchment. Cut into bars and drizzle generously with caramel sauce just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Twist

Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend and use certified gluten-free oats. The bars will be just as delicious and safe for gluten sensitivities.

Make It Nutty

Add a ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel mixture for a toasty crunch. This pairs beautifully with the apples and caramel.

Lighter Option

Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cut the butter in the crust by 2 to 3 tablespoons. The bars will be a little less indulgent but still full of flavor.

Pear or Berry Substitute

Try swapping the apples for ripe pears or a blend of apples and berries for a fresh flavor twist. Adjust sugar slightly for sweeter or tarter fruit.

Add Warm Spices

Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice to the apple layer or streusel for an extra-warm, autumn-spiced vibe.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a show-stopping dessert plate! Garnish with extra caramel drizzle, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a handful of toasted pecans for added flair. Pair with hot coffee or spiced chai for a cozy treat.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. For firmer bars, keep chilled until ready to serve. To reheat, microwave individual bars for 15-20 seconds until just warm and the caramel is gooey. You can freeze undecorated bars (without caramel drizzle) wrapped tightly in plastic and foil for up to 2 months-thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (FAQ)

Q: Can I make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! These bars are best when made a day ahead so they have time to chill and set for easy slicing.

Q: What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

A: Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tart flavor and firm texture, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix of your favorites work well, too.

Q: Can I double this recipe?

A: Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. The bake time may increase by 5-10 minutes; check for doneness in the center.

Q: Is it possible to use homemade caramel sauce?

A: Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds rich flavor, but store-bought works great for convenience.

Treat yourself to the perfect combo of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tart with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! They're sure to be a hit for any occasion, so give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments or by leaving a rating. Happy baking!