Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars — Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (Fall Dessert)

I fell in love with Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars on a crisp October afternoon at my grandmother’s house. She always had a warm kitchen and a tray of something sweet cooling on the counter; one year she swapped her usual apple pie for a pan of these bars, and the sweet-tart bite of apple wrapped in creamy cheesecake and sticky caramel felt like autumn in a bite. Now, whenever leaves start to turn I make a batch — they’re my cozy, shareable go-to for holiday gatherings and simple weekend baking.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is great for busy parents, home bakers who want an impressive yet forgiving dessert, and anyone craving a fall dessert that balances fruit, cream, and caramel.

Core ingredients overview:

• This dish layers a buttery graham crust with a smooth cream cheese filling studded with chopped apples and cinnamon, finished with a caramel swirl for sweet richness. The main ingredients are: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, 16 oz cream cheese (softened), 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 large eggs, 2 cups chopped apples (peeled and cored), 1 cup caramel sauce, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools you’ll need:

• 9×13-inch baking pan (greased)
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer (for smooth filling)
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board (for apples)
• Spoon or small ladle (for caramel drizzle)
• Oven mitts and cooling rack

Ingredients (with short benefit notes):

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – creates a crisp, buttery base that complements the creamy filling
• 1/3 cup sugar – adds sweetness and helps bind the crust
• 1/2 cup butter, melted – provides richness and holds the crust together
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened – the creamy core of the bars; gives tang and structure
• 1 cup sugar – sweetens and balances the tang of the cream cheese
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances flavor and rounds out sweetness
• 3 large eggs – add body and help the filling set
• 2 cups chopped apples (peeled and cored) – fresh apple texture and natural tartness for contrast
• 1 cup caramel sauce – adds decadent sweetness and signature caramel flavor
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon – warms the flavor and pairs perfectly with apples

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/3 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan to form an even crust.
3. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Gently fold the chopped apples and cinnamon into the cream cheese mixture. Pour the cream cheese-apple filling evenly over the prepared crust.
5. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the filling and use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the surface for a marbled effect.
6. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the center is just set (it may still have a slight jiggle).
7. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars to ensure clean slices.

Always add

tag after Directions.

FAQ
Q: Can I freeze these bars?
A: Yes — you can freeze baked and fully cooled bars. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best texture.

Q: What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?
A: You can substitute digestive biscuits, oatmeal cookie crumbs, or crushed shortbread for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I use store-bought apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
A: You can, but fresh chopped apples give a better texture and less added syrup. If you use pie filling, drain excess syrup to avoid thinning the filling too much.

Q: How do I prevent the caramel from burning in the oven?
A: Use a smooth caramel sauce (not raw sugar) and do a gentle swirl rather than a thick layer. If your caramel is very thin, add it right before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs so the filling mixes smoothly and avoids lumps.
• Press the crust firmly and evenly into the pan to prevent a crumbly base when cutting.
• Let the bars chill thoroughly before slicing — this helps the bars hold their shape and gives cleaner cuts.
• If you like extra texture, toss the chopped apples with a teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and a tablespoon of flour to keep excess moisture from softening the filling.

Enjoy these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars warm or chilled — share with friends and family for instant smiles.

Conclusion

For more inspiration and variations on this flavor combo, see recipes like Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars | The Girl Who Ate Everything, a different take on the classic; check out another version at Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – Our Best Bites for helpful tips and photos; or explore a streusel-topped variation at Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars With Streusel – What’s Gaby ….