Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 3 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 180 g digestive biscuits; 70 g unsalted butter, melted; 320 g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature; 120 g granulated sugar; ½ tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 300 g granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into medium cubes; 20 g granulated sugar; 1 tsp lemon zest; ¾ tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 100 g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed; 125 g plain flour; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; 70 g demerara sugar; 40 g granulated sugar; 3 tbsp caramel sauce

If you’re anything like me, the moment fall rolls around, I start craving that perfect mix of cozy and indulgent desserts. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with you—it’s basically the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and the warm spices of spiced apples all topped with a crunchy crumble and a luscious caramel drizzle. Trust me, once you try making these bars, they’ll quickly become your go-to dessert for every cozy gathering or weekend treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Layered Perfection: Each bite features a perfect balance of crumbly crust, creamy cheesecake, and warmly spiced apples.
Made for Fall: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramel flavors capture that seasonal vibe we all crave.
Fan-Favorite Dessert: My family goes crazy for these bars every time—they’re great for parties or quiet nights in.
Simple to Make: With clear steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll find success even if you’re new to baking.

A stack of three dessert bars sits on a white marbled surface, each separated by a thin square of white paper. Each bar has three layers: a bottom thick golden brown crumbly crust, a middle creamy white cheesecake layer, and a top crumbly golden layer with bits of nuts or streusel. Rich caramel sauce is generously drizzled over the top and sides of all three bars, with some caramel flowing down and pooling slightly at the base. In the background, there is a blurred glass jar filled with caramel and a spoon sticking out, next to a pair of bright green apples. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, fall dessert recipes, apple cheesecake bars, caramel apple dessert, easy autumn treats

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe uses classic ingredients that harmonize beautifully—think slightly tart Granny Smith apples for brightness, cream cheese for that luscious base, and just the right amount of warm spices to bring everything together. A quick tip: make sure to use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth, creamy filling.

Flat lay of a few whole digestive biscuits, a small white bowl of melted butter, a smooth block of full-fat cream cheese, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a tiny pinch of salt in a white bowl, a small white bowl of clear vanilla extract, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of peeled and chopped green granny smith apples, a small white bowl of light brown demerara sugar, a small white bowl of lemon zest, a small white bowl of ground cinnamon, a small white bowl of ground nutmeg, a few small cubes of chilled unsalted butter, a small white bowl of plain flour, and a small white bowl of glossy caramel sauce placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, fall dessert recipes, apple cheesecake bars, caramel apple dessert, easy autumn treats

Digestive biscuits: These form a sturdy and flavorful base; graham crackers work well as a substitute if you can’t find them.
Unsalted butter (melted and chilled): Using unsalted butter helps you control the saltiness while ensuring a rich, buttery crust and crumble topping.
Full-fat cream cheese: It’s the key to a creamy, silky cheesecake layer that won’t crack when baked.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cheesecake and the spiced apple mixture perfectly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cheesecake layer.
Large eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature to blend smoothly.
Granny Smith apples: Their tartness balances the sweetness beautifully and holds up well when baked.
Lemon zest: Brightens up the apple mixture with a fresh citrus note.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Essential warming spices that make the apples irresistibly cozy.
Plain flour: Used in the crumble topping to add structure and crunch.
Demerara sugar: I love this for topping because it adds a subtle molasses flavor and a lovely crunch.
Caramel sauce: The final drizzle that turns these bars into something extra special—feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade caramel.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this recipe is—you can easily make it your own by swapping out ingredients or tweaking flavor profiles. I often experiment with different toppings or even adjust the spices depending on the season or what my family is craving.

Nutty twist: I once sprinkled chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for an extra crunch, and it was a huge hit with my crew.
Dairy-free version: Substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use coconut oil instead of butter for a delicious vegan take.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom gives the apples a slightly exotic touch that’s fun to try.
More caramel love: For caramel aficionados, swirl some caramel into the cheesecake layer before adding the apples to intensify that flavor.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Base

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (fan). Then, lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with baking paper, leaving plenty of overhang on the sides—it really helps when it’s time to lift the bars out without any fuss. Crush the digestive biscuits finely, then mix them thoroughly with melted butter until the crumbs hold together nicely. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan; you want a firm, compact base. I like to use the bottom of a glass to really pack it down tight.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

Beat the room temperature cream cheese with granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract until silky smooth. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well but gently — overbeating can lead to cracks. Once combined, pour this luscious cheesecake batter evenly over your chilled biscuit base. This layer is where the magic starts to happen, so take a moment to appreciate how creamy and dreamy it looks before moving on.

Step 3: Prepare the Spiced Apple Layer

In a bowl, toss diced Granny Smith apples with sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The citrus really lifts the apple flavor and keeps it fresh, while the spices envelope the apples in warmth. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake batter. You’ll find that adding chopped apples right on top gives a perfect tartness and texture contrast.

Step 4: Crumble Topping Time

Combine flour, cinnamon, demerara sugar, granulated sugar, and chilled cubed butter in a bowl. Use your fingertips (this is my favorite part!) to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a coarse, sandy crumble. Sprinkle this evenly over the apples. This topping bakes up golden and crunchy, adding a delightful finishing touch that really completes the bar.

Step 5: Bake and Drizzle

Bake for about 50 minutes until the crumble topping is golden and the cheesecake is mostly set but still slightly wobbly in the center. This gives you that creamy consistency once cooled. When it’s out of the oven and cooled a bit, drizzle the caramel sauce generously on top. I love using a spoon or a piping bag to make fun swirls—it’s just as tasty as it is pretty!

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Always bring cream cheese and eggs to room temp for a smooth, even cheesecake mixture without lumps.
Press Base Firmly: I discovered that firmly pressing the biscuit crust helps it stay crisp and provides a strong foundation.
Don’t Overbake: The center should slightly wobble when you take it out; this keeps the cheesecake creamy instead of dry.
Cool Completely Before Slicing: Waiting until it’s fully cool—and ideally chilled—makes slicing clean and gorgeous bars way easier.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

A square piece of layered dessert sits on a white plate, showing four visible layers: at the bottom is a golden brown crumbly crust, above it a thick white creamy layer, followed by a lighter brown layer with a textured look, and topped with a golden crumbly streusel layer. The top is drizzled with smooth caramel sauce that drips slightly on the plate. In the background, a jar filled with caramel and a spoon inside is visible, along with more pieces of the same dessert. A green apple sits to the left, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, fall dessert recipes, apple cheesecake bars, caramel apple dessert, easy autumn treats

Garnishes

I usually garnish these bars with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel drizzle—it’s a small detail that makes a big taste difference by balancing the sweetness. Sometimes, I add chopped toasted pecans for texture or a dollop of whipped cream if I’m serving to guests who want a little extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

These bars are quite rich, so I like to pair them with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to refresh the palate, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. Hot apple cider or chai tea is my preferred drink when enjoying these cozy bars.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered these bars in a clear glass trifle dish, alternating layers of extra caramel and diced apples for a stunning visual effect. You can also cut them into bite-sized squares for cocktail parties or serve with caramel and cinnamon sugar dusted on top for an elegant touch that wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator—usually, they keep perfectly for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen when left overnight. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature or enjoy chilled, depending on your preference.

Freezing

If I want to freeze the bars, I slice them first and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They freeze wonderfully for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw them overnight in the fridge and they taste nearly as fresh as the day they were baked.

Reheating

Since these bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temp, I usually skip reheating, but if I do want to warm them up, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds—just enough to soften the caramel without melting the crumble topping.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are my go-to because of their tartness and firmness, but you can try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may result in a less tangy filling, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly.
Do I have to use caramel sauce, or can I make my own?

You’re welcome to make homemade caramel if you like, and it tastes fantastic! Using store-bought caramel sauce is a time-saver, but if you have the time, a homemade caramel drizzle adds extra depth and freshness to the bars.
Can I prepare the bars ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! You can assemble the bars in the baking pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. The next day, bake as directed—this is super handy if you want to prep the night before a party.
What should I do if my cheesecake layer cracks?

Cracking usually happens from overbaking or sudden temperature changes. To prevent it, bake until the center is just set but still jiggles slightly, and avoid opening the oven door too often. Cooling gradually and chilling before slicing helps minimize cracks.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe turns out every single time—the layers work together like a dream, and the caramel drizzle is just the cherry on top. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create something so decadent yet approachable. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both crowd-pleasing and cozy, give these bars a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and your friends and family will thank you too!