Creamy cheesecake, warm spiced apples, and gooey caramel come together in these irresistible dessert bars. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a decadent treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor: Creamy cheesecake with spiced apples and caramel is a flavor combination everyone loves.
Perfect for Parties: Easy to cut into bars and serve for gatherings or potlucks.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and chill for several hours; flavors meld beautifully.
Simple Steps: Despite its rich taste, it’s straightforward to make with basic baking ingredients.

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
½ cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Press mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare Cheesecake Mixture

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Prepare Apples

Toss diced apples with ground cinnamon and nutmeg.

Step 5: Assemble Layers

Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust. Top with the spiced apples, then spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the apples.

Step 6: Add Caramel

Drizzle ½ cup caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to gently swirl it into the cheesecake mixture.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.

Step 8: Chill

Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 9: Serve

Lift bars out using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and drizzle additional caramel sauce over each bar before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well; adjust sugar slightly if using a sweeter variety.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare and chill overnight—the flavors improve with time.

Can I freeze the bars?
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors, making them ideal for fall, holidays, or any dessert craving. The layers of cheesecake, tender apples, and rich caramel make every bite irresistible.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes
Yield: 16 bars
Calories: ~380 per bar