Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars - Mom On Timeout

Publish date: 2024-01-19

two image collage showing caramel apple cheesecake bars stacked with a caramel drizzle coming down the sides. center color block with text overlay.

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect treat for fall! Layers of graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake, sweetly spiced apples all topped with the perfect crumb topping. A dessert you are sure to “fall” in love with!

More delicious apple treats you’ll love: Apple Crumble, Cinnamon Swirl Apple Bread and Apple Muffins!

The Perfect Fall Treat

These amazing cheesecake bars perfectly capture the essence of fall with four magical layers all topped with luscious caramel sauce. Imagine combining the decadence of a classic cheesecake with the homey, comforting flavors of apple pie all captured in a bar form – that is the essence of these delicious dessert bars.

You’re going to fall in love with each incredible layer: crunchy graham cracker crust, extra creamy and decadent cheesecake, spiced crisp apples, a sweet, crumbly topping and don’t forget the caramel drizzle! Be sure to savor every luscious bite!

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fall treat. It’s an incredible experience of textures and flavors that the whole family will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Bars

There’s a whole lot to love about these caramel apple cheesecake bars. Each delicious element plays a vital role in this delicious dessert. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with every layer:

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Graham Cracker Crust: Offers a buttery and crunchy base layer that is the perfect complement to the soft and sweet layers above.
Cheesecake Layer: Smooth and velvety with a decadence and richness that melds seamlessly with the spiced apples and graham cracker crust.
Apple Layer: The crisp apples add freshness, autumnal flavor and spices that will remind you of the flavors you would find in an apple pie.
Crumb Topping: The perfect finish to these bars. Adds a layer of texture and sweetness that raise these bars to a whole new level.

Ingredients Needed

If you’re looking to bring a slice of fall flavor to your table, this is the recipe to try. As always, you can find the full printable recipe with complete instructions in the recipe card at the end of this post. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need…

Graham Cracker Crust

graham crackers – Apples and graham cracker crusts are a match made in heaven! Get a little crazy and use cinnamon graham crackers for more cinnamon flavor.
granulated sugar – Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust.
salted butter – Melted butter acts as the binder for the crust and brings the crushed graham crackers and sugar together.

Apple Layer

apples – I like to use Granny Smith apples but any apples will work in this recipe. You will need to peel and core the apples and then cut or dice into bite sized pieces.
lemon juice – Fresh lemon juice will keep the apples from browning.
granulated sugar and brown sugar – Adds a lovely sweetness to the apple pie layer.
apple pie spice – This is a tasty blend of spices that works particularly well in this recipe. Pumpkin pie spice will also work or feel free to use a combination of mostly cinnamon with a dash of nutmeg.
salt – Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.

My homemade Apple Pie Filling would be a delicious substitute for the apple layer!

Cheesecake Layer

cream cheese – I recommend using full fat cream cheese. Make sure to grab the cream cheese that is in the bricks, not the tubs. The cream cheese needs to be softened at room temperature.
powdered sugar – Incorporates easily into the cream cheese and sweetens the cheesecake layer. Granulated sugar can also be used in this recipe.
sour cream – Full fat again and I recommend the sour cream be at room temperature before incorporating. The sour cream adds a little tang to this layer. Greek yogurt is a great substitute if needed.
vanilla extract – For warmth and flavor!
eggs – You’ll need three large eggs at room temperature. You can add them one at a time or all at once – just make sure to incorporate fully but not overmix.

Crumb Topping

all purpose flour – This is the foundation for the crumb topping.
granulated sugar and brown sugar – You can use light or dark brown sugar in this recipe. Dark brown sugar will have a deeper molasses flavor.
old fashioned oats – Quick oats can also be used in this recipe but will alter the texture a little bit.
baking powder – for a little extra crunch and lift in the topping.
apple pie spice – Gives the crumb topping more flavor and spice.
salt – For flavor and balance.
unsalted butter – the butter is melted and then stirred into the dry ingredients for the easiest crumb topping ever.

Optional Topping

How To Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Prep Work. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

Graham Cracker Crust. Crush the graham crackers and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in the sugar and then drizzle in the melted butter. Press into the prepared pan, cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer.

Spiced Apples. Combine the chopped apples and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss together. Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, apple pie spice and salt. Set aside.

Cheesecake Layer. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat cream cheese on medium speed until well combined, about 2 minutes. Add the sour cream and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Add the eggs and mix on low speed just until incorporated, do not overmix. Set aside.

Crumb Topping. Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Add the melted butter and stir with a fork until crumbly. Set aside.

Assembly Time

Remove the crust from the freezer.

Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the crust.

Spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer using a slotted spoon. Gently press the apples into just the very top of the cheesecake layer.

Spoon the crumb topping evenly over the apple layer.

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the sides are set and the middle has a very slight jiggle.

Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.

Chill for 6 hours or overnight.

Storage Information

Once the bars have chilled for at least 6 hours they can be cut into bars and served. To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. The bars store best when the caramel sauce hasn’t been added yet. I do not recommend freezing these caramel apple cheesecake bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

I love Granny Smith because they are firm and tart but other apple varieties will also work.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

No problem! Pumpkin pie spice will also work or you can use just ground cinnamon or cinnamon with a pinch of nutmeg.

When are the bars done baking?

You’ll want to look for the sides and edges to be fully set and the center should have a slight jiggle. You can also test with a toothpick. Simply insert into the center and the toothpick should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.

Can these cheesecake bars be made in advance?

They can be made a day ahead of time and refrigerated overnight.

Trish’s Tips and Tricks

Make sure the cream cheese is really at room temperature along with the sour cream and eggs. This will ensure a smooth cheesecake texture.

Apples and graham cracker crusts are a match made in heaven! Get a little crazy and use cinnamon graham crackers for more cinnamon flavor.

Make sure the bars have completely cooled before cutting and serving.

Using parchment not only prevents sticking but will allow for the bars to be lifted out of the pan and cut more easily.

Add a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel variation.

More Must Try Apple Desserts

Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Course Dessert Cuisine American Keyword apple cheesecake bars, caramel apple cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars Prep Time 30 Cook Time 35 Chill Time 6 Servings Calories 470kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout