Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled and finely chopped; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Short description

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a rich and indulgent layered dessert featuring a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced apples, a crumbly streusel topping, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet treat with complex textures and flavors.

Sources: Paula Deen, The Girl Who Ate Everything, Our Best Bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines classic fall flavors in one dessert.
Easy to serve at parties or potlucks — just slice into bars.
Chilling improves flavor and makes slicing easier.
Uses everyday pantry ingredients.
Layers create a balanced bite of sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy.

Sources: Paula Deen, Our Best Bites

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust

All-purpose flour
Light brown sugar
Unsalted butter (softened)

For the Cheesecake Filling

Cream cheese (softened)
Granulated sugar
Large eggs
Vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer

Tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled and chopped
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping

All-purpose flour
Light brown sugar
Quick oats or old-fashioned oats
Unsalted butter (softened)

Optional Caramel Drizzle

Caramel topping (store-bought or homemade)

Sources: Paula Deen, The Girl Who Ate Everything

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly grease.
Prepare the crust: Combine flour and brown sugar, then cut in softened butter until the mixture is crumbly. Press into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
Make the cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Pour over the baked crust.
Add apple layer: In a bowl, toss chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread over the cheesecake filling.
Make the streusel topping: Mix flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
Bake for 30–40 minutes or until the filling is set and the topping is golden.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving. Slice into bars.

Sources: The Girl Who Ate Everything, Paula Deen

Servings and timing

Detail	Estimate
Prep time	20 minutes
Bake time	30–40 minutes
Chill time	2+ hours
Total time	~3 hours
Yield	24 bars

Sources: The Girl Who Ate Everything, Our Best Bites

Variations

Apple variety: Use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or a mix for a sweeter profile.
Add nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping.
Spice it up: Add cardamom or ginger for deeper spice.
Swirled caramel: Swirl some caramel into the cheesecake layer before baking.
Mini portions: Bake in muffin tins for personal-sized bars.
Gluten-free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.

Sources: Our Best Bites, The Girl Who Ate Everything

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze (without caramel topping) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating: Best served chilled, but can be gently warmed in the microwave and drizzled with warm caramel.

Sources: Paula Deen, Our Best Bites

FAQs

What apples are best for these bars?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith hold up well and balance the sweetness of the dessert.

Source: Paula Deen

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes. These bars actually taste better after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything

Can I freeze the bars?

Yes, without the caramel topping. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Source: Our Best Bites

Is homemade caramel necessary?

No. Store-bought caramel sauce works well and saves time.

Source: Paula Deen

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smooth texture, but you can leave the skin on for a more rustic bite.

Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

You can, but full-fat gives better structure and flavor.

Source: Our Best Bites

What size pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking dish is standard for this recipe.

Source: Paula Deen

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but it may alter the taste and texture slightly. Try reducing sugar in the apple or streusel layer.

Source: The Girl Who Ate Everything

How long do they need to chill?

At least 2 hours, but overnight chilling gives the best results for slicing.

Source: Paula Deen

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The center should be set but may still jiggle slightly. The topping should be golden brown.

Source: Our Best Bites

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a perfect seasonal dessert that combines the best elements of pie, cheesecake, and coffee cake. With their rich flavor, elegant layers, and satisfying texture, they’re an ideal choice for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks. Easy to store, serve, and adapt — they’re a go-to favorite for fall and beyond