Introduction

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping are the ultimate autumn dessert, combining the tender, buttery goodness of cheesecake with the sweet-tart flavor of apples and the indulgence of caramel. The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch, making each bite a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crumbly textures.

These bars are perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, or cozy nights at home. Unlike a traditional cheesecake, these bars are easy to slice, serve, and share, making them practical while still feeling decadent. The aroma of cinnamon, caramel, and fresh apples baking in your oven will instantly evoke fall vibes and create a comforting atmosphere in your kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s layered with flavor and texture. The buttery crust provides a solid base, the cheesecake layer is silky and rich, the apples bring sweetness and moisture, and the streusel topping offers a satisfying crunch. The drizzle of caramel on top ties all the layers together, creating a dessert that’s both elegant and cozy.

It’s a versatile recipe that feels like a treat but is simple enough to make for friends, family, or a festive occasion. It’s a dessert that delivers wow-factor without being overly complicated.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Decadent and comforting: Combines creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and buttery streusel.
Perfect for fall and holidays: Aromatic cinnamon, caramel, and apple flavors capture seasonal essence.
Easy to serve: Bars are portion-friendly and great for gatherings.
Layered textures: Creamy, crumbly, and fruity all in one bite.
Visually appealing: Elegant yet rustic dessert for any occasion.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Baking Time: 50–55 minutes
Cooling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: ~3 hours 20 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

Servings: 16 bars
Calories per Serving: ~320 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American / Fall-inspired

Ingredients

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt

For the Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz (2 cups) cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Apple Layer:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice

For the Streusel Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar, packed
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp ground cinnamon
4 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Caramel Drizzle:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

Prepare the crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, then let cool slightly.
Prepare the apple layer
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Set aside.
Make the cheesecake layer
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, then eggs one at a time.
- Stir in vanilla extract and flour until combined.
Assemble layers
- Pour cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust.
- Evenly distribute the prepared apples over the cheesecake layer.
Prepare the streusel topping
- In a bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle streusel evenly over the apple and cheesecake layers.
Bake
- Bake in preheated oven for 50–55 minutes, or until cheesecake is set and streusel is golden.
- Cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add caramel drizzle
- Once cooled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the bars before cutting into squares.

How to Serve

Slice into 16 bars and serve on a platter.
Optional: Top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.

Recipe Tips

Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to prevent mushiness.
Make sure cream cheese is softened for a smooth cheesecake layer.
Chill the bars before slicing for cleaner edges.
Homemade caramel sauce adds extra richness, but store-bought works well too.
Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the streusel from becoming soggy.

Variations

Spiced Apple: Add ½ tsp ground nutmeg or allspice to the apple layer.
Pecan Crunch: Add chopped pecans to the streusel topping for extra texture.
Salted Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle.
Mini Bars: Use a smaller pan for thicker, individual bars.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend for crust and streusel.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator: Store bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months.
Thawing: Thaw in refrigerator overnight before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer (optional, for cream cheese)
Knife for slicing
Wire rack for cooling

FAQ

Q: Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?
Yes, make the bars up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Q: Can I use pre-made pie crust?
Yes, but homemade crust adds extra flavor and texture.

Q: How do I prevent the streusel from sinking?
Sprinkle gently over the top and avoid pressing into the cheesecake layer.

Q: Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream cheese, butter alternatives, and dairy-free caramel sauce for a vegan version.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping are a rich, indulgent, and crowd-pleasing dessert that captures the essence of fall. With layers of creamy cheesecake, sweet-tart apples, buttery streusel, and decadent caramel, these bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or simply treating yourself. They combine elegance, comfort, and flavor, making them an unforgettable dessert for any occasion.