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; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 300 g granny smith apples (peeled, cored and chopped to medium cubes); 20 g granulated sugar; 1 tsp lemon zest; 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 100 g unsalted butter (chilled and cubed); 125 g plain flour; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 70 g demerara sugar; 40 g granulated sugar; 3 tbsp caramel sauce

If you love the cozy flavors of fall and crave a dessert that feels like a big, warm hug, you’re going to flip for this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Imagine layers of buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy crumble topping all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce—yes, please! I’ve been baking these for family gatherings and trust me, they go fast. So stick around—I’ll walk you through making these bars that are as stunning as they are delicious.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Layering: Separate layers that come together perfectly without fuss.
Perfect Fall Flavor: Spiced apples paired with sweet caramel make it a seasonal winner.
Great for Sharing: These bars cut into neat squares, ideal for parties or quick snacks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep ahead and enjoy leftovers that only taste better the next day.

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 holiday baked goods

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients makes all the difference here. Each element—crumbly base, creamy filling, spiced apple layer, and buttery crumble—works together to create those addictive caramel apple cheesecake bars you won’t stop thinking about.

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 holiday baked goods

Digestive biscuits: These form a sturdy yet buttery base that complements the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter: Use both melted for the crust and chilled cubed for the crumble topping to get that perfect texture contrast.
Full-fat cream cheese: Room temperature is key to getting a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and the spiced apples just right—plus some demerara sugar for that deep caramel flavor in the crumble.
Salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the richness.
Vanilla extract: A little goes a long way to deepen the cheesecake’s flavor.
Eggs: They help create structure in the cheesecake, so make sure they’re at room temperature for even mixing.
Granny Smith apples: Peeled, cored, and chopped—these tart apples hold their shape well and bring that signature tang.
Lemon zest: Brightens the apple layer and adds freshness.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg: Spices that bring warmth and spice without overpowering.
Plain flour: For the crumble topping—give it a light toss with cinnamon and sugars before adding butter.
Caramel sauce: The pièce de résistance! Drizzle generously on top just before serving.

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

One of my favorite things about this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to play around with the spices or swap the type of apples based on your taste and what you have on hand.

Apple Variety Swap: I’ve tried these with Fuji and Honeycrisp apples, and they’re just as delicious—something sweeter balances the spices nicely.
Nut Twist: Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping gives an extra crunch my family adores.
Dairy-Free Option: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter substitutes; the texture is slightly different but still tasty!
Extra Caramel: For caramel lovers like me, add an extra drizzle between the apple and cheesecake layers for maximum gooeyness.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 160°C (fan). Grease an 8 x 8-inch baking pan lightly, then line it with baking paper. Don’t skimp on the overhang—it makes lifting the bars out a breeze later on. I usually double-layer the paper to avoid any sticking, and that little bit of extra care pays off big time when slicing clean bars.

Step 2: Make the Butter Crumb Base

Crush the digestive biscuits finely, then mix them with the melted butter until everything’s evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into the baking pan creating an even bottom layer. I like to use the bottom of a glass or your hands to really compact it so it doesn’t crumble apart when cutting later.

Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

Beat the full-fat cream cheese until smooth and creamy—no lumps here! Then add granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Beat again, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid air bubbles which can cause cracks during baking. This is where patience pays off; scraping down the bowl ensures a silky filling that sets beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Apples

Sauté the chopped Granny Smith apples with sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg just for a few minutes until they soften slightly but keep their shape. This step brings out their natural sweetness and infuses the warm spice flavors. Let them cool before layering to avoid breaking down your cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Assemble Your Layers

Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the biscuit base. Then layer the spiced apples evenly on top. Follow with the remaining cheesecake batter. I find it easiest to dollop the mixture and gently smooth it out with a spatula to avoid disturbing the apples. This layered effect is what makes the bars so eye-catching and tasty.

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Crumble Topping

To make the crumble, combine plain flour, cinnamon, demerara sugar, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Cut in chilled butter cubes using your fingers or a pastry cutter until pea-sized crumbs form. Sprinkle this crumbly topping over the cheesecake layer. This topping bakes up golden and crunchy, bringing a delightful contrast to the creamy cheesecake.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the bars at 160°C (fan) for about 50 minutes or until the crumble turns golden and the cheesecake layer is set with just a little jiggle in the center. Once out of the oven, let them cool completely in the pan—this is important for clean slices. Then chill in the fridge for at least 3 hours or overnight; trust me, patience here rewards you big time with the perfect texture.

Step 8: Drizzle with Caramel and Serve

Once chilled, use the baking paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Cut into 9 squares and drizzle generously with caramel sauce right before serving. I love this final step since that gooey caramel ties everything together like the cherry on top of this fall-inspired treat.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: I always take out the eggs and cream cheese ahead of time to avoid lumpy cheesecake filling and help with even baking.
Don’t Overmix: When adding eggs, gently fold to keep the batter light and prevent cracks during baking.
Chill Before Slicing: Cutting into chilled bars makes neat squares and stops the layers from smearing.
Use Fresh Apples: Granny Smith apples give that perfect tart balance, but make sure they’re fresh and firm to avoid soggy layers.

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 holiday baked goods

Garnishes

I like to add a little extra caramel drizzle on top and sometimes a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar for presentation. If I’m feeling fancy, a small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these bars seals the deal perfectly.

Side Dishes

These bars are sweet and satisfying on their own, but for a party, I often serve them with hot apple cider or a bold cup of coffee to balance all that richness. They also pair wonderfully with a simple green salad if you want to round out a fall-themed meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I place the bars on a rustic wooden board, scatter some cinnamon sticks and apple slices around, and add little handwritten tags with the recipe name. It turns a simple dessert into a centerpiece that impresses guests every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay moist and actually taste better after sitting overnight as the flavors meld. Just make sure to keep them covered well so they don’t absorb other fridge odors.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these bars wrapped tightly in parchment paper and then foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, they reheat surprisingly well—just avoid microwave reheating to keep the crumble crisp. A low-temp oven warm-up works best.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these bars warm, pop them in an oven at 150°C for about 10 minutes. I do this when serving with ice cream so the contrast between warm bars and cold cream elevates the experience.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer the right tartness and keep their shape well, you can substitute with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples. Just note that sweeter varieties may reduce the need for extra sugar in the apple layer.
How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Use room temperature eggs and cream cheese, and mix gently without overbeating. Also, avoid sudden temperature changes by baking at a moderate temperature and cooling the bars gradually to keep the cheesecake smooth and crack-free.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the cream cheese and butter for high-quality dairy-free alternatives. The texture might be a little different, but you’ll still get a creamy and delicious result.
How long do the bars keep fresh?

Stored in the fridge in an airtight container, these bars stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is recommended.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?

You can substitute the plain flour and digestive biscuits with gluten-free versions. Just check that your ingredients are labeled gluten-free for best results.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe brings together so many comforting flavors that spell fall in every bite. When I first tried it, I was blown away by how the textures and tastes complemented each other so well. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treat-yourself moment, these bars never disappoint and always earn rave reviews. So go on, give them a try—you’ll find they’re as fun to make as they are to eat!