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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, the perfect fall dessert you didn’t know you needed! This is a fantastic recipe easy for any home bakers (even you first time bakers!)

 

Main image for caramel apple cheesecake bars

 

There’s nothing like the bliss of biting into layers of shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, cinnamon apples, and a brown sugar streusel. 

Top it all off with a gorgeous caramel drizzle! It’s a yummy recipe that not one of your taste buds will be able to resist!

It combines the best parts of apple pie, cheesecake, and caramel apples.

The crust has a beautiful buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with the tart apple balances and creamy cheesecake layer.

The crumble topping adds an extra crunch that contrasts the smoothness of the cheesecake.

It’s easy to make ahead, perfect for when you have a little time over the weekend and want something special for the week.

It’s a versatile dish, perfect for your everyday sweet tooth craving or for special occasions.

 

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bar crust ready to bake

 

What Ingredients are in Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

Dive into your baking cupboard and gather these key ingredients:

  • All-purpose flour: The building block for our crust and brown sugar streusel.
  • Brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness to our crust and streusel topping.
  • Butter: Gives our crust and streusel that melt-in-your-mouth buttery richness.
  • Cream cheese: The heart of our creamy cheesecake layer.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the deal in our cheesecake filling.
  • Eggs: Ensures our cheesecake layer sets beautifully.
  • Vanilla extract: Complements the cream cheese and gives our filling a hint of vanilla.
  • Granny Smith apples: Tart and crisp, these are the ideal apples for our filling.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that make our apple layer taste like fall in a bite.
  • Quick oats: Adds a wonderful texture to our crumble topping.
  • Caramel topping: The crowning glory on top of the cheesecake mixture.

Pro tip: Always use room temperature ingredients, especially for the cream cheese and eggs. This will help achieve a smoother, creamier filling.

 

Cheesecake filling in mixing bowl

 

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

You can find the entire recipe card below but are you ready to bake these apple caramel cheesecake bars now? Follow these easy steps:

  1. Create your crust mixture by combining flour and sugar, then work in the butter until crumbly. Press it into your baking pan and let it bake to golden perfection.
  2. Make your creamy cheesecake filling by beating together cream cheese and sugar, adding eggs one by one, and finally, vanilla extract.
  3. Prepare your apple filling by mixing diced apples with sugar and spices in a small bowl.
  4. Now for the fun part – layering! Start with your warm crust, then pour over the creamy cheesecake filling, followed by a layer of apple filling.
  5. Whip up your streusel ingredients in another medium bowl and sprinkle this crumbly goodness over the top of the cheesecake mixture. 
  6. Bake until golden brown, then drizzle with caramel topping and let it cool.

Pro tips: 

  • Line your baking pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil for easy removal and clean-up.
  • Use a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium speed to save your arm the workout.

 

cheesecake mixture poured over crust

 

Do Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, these apple pie cheesecake bars do need to be refrigerated! Refrigerating these bars ensures that they are set properly and keeps all those wonderful layers intact.

Once completely set, you could let them sit on the counter for a little bit before serving if you want to serve at room temperature.

But for long term storage, I definitely recommend keeping them in the fridge.

How Long Do Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Last?

In my house, apple crisp cheesecake bars las about Five minutes? Maybe ten! Or…maybe that’s just us? They’re so good!

When stored correctly, these beauties can last for up to a week in the fridge, although they’re so good, you might finish them before then!

 

cinnamon apples placed on top of cheesecake filling

 

Can I Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Ahead of Time?

You bet you can make Apple Cheesecake Bars ahead of time! They’re a fantastic make-ahead dessert. 

Just make sure to add your caramel drizzle before serving for the freshest taste.

It’s good to add that caramel drizzle right before anyway because then your guests will LOVE it.

 

Streusel topping crumbled over apple cheesecake bars

 

How to Store Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Apple Bars with Cheesecake Filling store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Keep them chilled until you’re ready to serve.

If you’re serving them at a potluck or bbq, be sure to bring them out right before you are ready to serve them.

This will keep them from getting hot and ruined in the heat.

 

Apple cheesecake bars cut into slices with caramel being drizzled on top

 

Can You Freeze Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

You can absolutely freeze caramel apple cheesecake bars with streusel topping! Once completely cooled, store the bars in a single layer in a freezer-safe airtight container. 

They freeze well for up to three months.

You could also freeze them in a single layer until completely frozen. Then transfer them to another container with parchment paper between each layer.

This will keep them from sticking to one another and let you pull out just 1 or two at a time. So then you can enjoy them all yourself whenever you want one!

 

two cheesecake bars stacked up on each other

 

How to Thaw Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

To thaw these apple crisp cheesecake bars, simply place them in the refrigerator overnight. 

You could also let them thaw on the counter, but you’ve got to be careful with that as typically the outside will get too warm while the middle is still too cold.

Remember to drizzle the caramel topping just before serving.

You’re ready to create your own Apple Cheesecake Bars! Make your kitchen smell like a fall wonderland and treat your taste buds to a perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tart. Enjoy!

 

1 caramel apple cheesecake bar on counter with a bite removed.

 

More Apple Recipes You’ll Love…

Dive into the ultimate fall dessert with our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – a heavenly mix of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, crumbly streusel, and a dreamy caramel drizzle.

 

Yield: 16 Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

One caramel apple cheesecake bar on counter with a bite removed.

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, the perfect fall dessert you didn't know you needed! This is a fantastic recipe easy for any home bakers.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Inactive Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling

  • 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Apple Filling

  • 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 Tablespoons white sugar

Streusel Topping

  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature

Drizzle

  • 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked - store bought caramel sauce or homemade.

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350* F.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar.
  3. Cut in butter with a pastry blender (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly.
  4. Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan lined with parchment paper, non-stick foil or cooking spray.
  5. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
  6. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth.
  7. Add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
  8. In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  9. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.
  10. For the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture.
  11. Sprinkle Streusel topping over apples.
  12. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set.
  13. Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool.
  14. Serve cold and enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

16

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 263Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 68mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 2gSugar: 37gProtein: 4g
Originally Posted: October 2, 2014

Photos & Text Updated: August 21, 2023

Recipe adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything

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Sandra

Sunday 1st of November 2015

I love to cook

Janelle

Friday 27th of November 2015

Sandra I'm glad you love to cook! You'll love these!!

Marlys (This and That)

Thursday 2nd of October 2014

These looks so awesome.. Pinning so I can make them.

Becky @ lovetobeinthekitchen

Thursday 2nd of October 2014

Yum! This looks awesome and so tasty!

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