Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Crumble Topping

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect fusion of apple pie and classic cheesecake, layered over a buttery crust, topped with spiced apple slices, and finished with a golden crumble and silky caramel drizzle.

They’re everything you want in a fall dessert — creamy, crunchy, sweet, and slightly tangy, all in one decadent bite. These bars bring together the comfort of baked apples with the richness of cheesecake, making them a showstopper for holidays, gatherings, or cozy nights in.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s an elegant yet easy dessert that combines my favorite seasonal flavors — apples, cinnamon, cheesecake, and caramel — into one stunning treat.

The contrast between the creamy cheesecake layer and the crisp, buttery crumble is just heavenly. Plus, it’s baked in a simple square pan, making it easy to cut into bars for serving (or sneaking one straight from the fridge!).

It’s the perfect balance of comforting and indulgent, and it fills the kitchen with the most amazing aroma of baked apples and cinnamon.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You absolutely need to try this recipe because:

• It’s a cheesecake meets apple pie masterpiece.
• Easy to serve and share — great for parties or holidays.
• The caramel drizzle takes it to dessert heaven.
• A cozy, crowd-pleasing fall dessert.
• Make-ahead friendly — it tastes even better the next day!

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, a fall brunch, or just craving something special, these bars never disappoint.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Baking Time: 45–50 minutes
• Cooling & Chilling Time: 2 hours minimum
• Total Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 16 bars
• Calories: ~310 calories per bar

Cuisine: American

Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed)
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg

For the Crumble Topping:

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup quick oats
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

For the Finishing Touch:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make and press the crust.
2. Prepare cheesecake batter and pour over crust.
3. Add apple slices on top.
4. Sprinkle with crumble topping.
5. Bake, cool, chill, and drizzle with caramel before serving.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Line a 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
3. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly combined.
4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a crust.
5. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated.
3. Stir in vanilla extract.
4. Pour this mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer

1. In a small bowl, toss apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
2. Evenly arrange the apple slices on top of the cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Make the Crumble Topping

1. In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon.
2. Cut in the cold butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

1. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
2. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 6: Add the Caramel and Serve

1. Once chilled, remove the cheesecake slab from the pan using the parchment overhang.
2. Cut into squares or bars.
3. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce just before serving.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled or slightly cold with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Dust lightly with cinnamon sugar before serving for a festive look.
• Perfect for holiday tables, dessert buffets, or cozy weekend treats.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness.
• Soften cream cheese properly for a smooth cheesecake layer.
• Chill thoroughly before slicing for neat bars.
• Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean edges.
• Don’t overbake — the center should still jiggle slightly when done.

Variations

• Salted Caramel Version: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel drizzle.
• Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping.
• Shortbread Crust: Replace graham crumbs with a buttery shortbread base for a richer flavor.
• Apple Pie Filling Shortcut: Use canned apple pie filling if you’re short on time.
• Mini Cheesecake Cups: Bake in muffin tins for portable, single-serve versions.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.

To Freeze:

• Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Add caramel drizzle after thawing for the best presentation.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Pastry cutter or fork (for crumble)
• Wire rack for cooling

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! These bars actually taste better after chilling overnight — perfect for make-ahead desserts.

Q2: Can I use a different pan size?
Yes, you can use an 8×8-inch pan for thicker bars, but increase baking time by 5–7 minutes.

Q3: What’s the best apple to use?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work beautifully — choose apples that hold their shape when baked.

Q4: Can I skip the crumble topping?
You can, but it adds wonderful texture and flavor. If skipped, bake as a simple caramel apple cheesecake.

Q5: Do I have to refrigerate the bars?
Yes — because of the cream cheese layer, always store them in the refrigerator.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Crumble Topping are the perfect dessert for autumn — creamy, buttery, and bursting with spiced apple goodness. The smooth cheesecake paired with tart apples, crunchy crumble, and velvety caramel makes every bite unforgettable.

They’re simple enough for a weekend bake, yet impressive enough for a holiday feast. Whether you’re sharing them with family or savoring one quietly with coffee, these bars capture the warm, nostalgic flavors of fall in every forkful.