Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are creamy, crunchy, and loaded with sweet fall flavor. The buttery crust pairs perfectly with spiced apples, streusel topping, and gooey caramel drizzle. These bars are an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s perfect for Thanksgiving or cozy fall nights.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the best parts of apple pie and creamy cheesecake into one irresistible dessert. Each bite layers buttery crust, smooth cheesecake, tender apples, and a golden oat streusel finished with caramel.

Perfect for Thanksgiving and Fall Gatherings

These bars make a great alternative to pie. You can bake ahead, chill, and slice into neat squares, which means less fuss during the holiday rush. Guests love the handheld size, and you’ll love the make-ahead convenience.

Flavor and Texture Highlights

The crust is buttery and crisp, while the cheesecake layer melts in your mouth. Spiced apples bring a cozy tang, and the streusel adds a sweet crunch. Finally, a drizzle of caramel ties it all together with warm richness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Keep your butter cold for the crust and topping so the texture stays crumbly.

For the Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer

• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/3 cup butter, softened

For the Caramel Drizzle

• 1/2 cup caramel topping

Step-by-Step: How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the softened butter until crumbly. Press firmly into a greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes to set the base.

Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the crust bakes, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the warm crust.

Mix the Spiced Apples

In another bowl, toss the chopped Granny Smith apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Assemble the Streusel Topping

Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the apple layer.

Layer, Bake, and Chill

Bake for 30 minutes or until the filling is set in the center. Allow the pan to cool completely. For best results, chill for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Finish with Caramel Drizzle

Before serving, drizzle caramel topping over the chilled bars. Use a plastic knife for clean slices. Serve cold for the creamiest texture.

Baking Tips and Recipe Notes

Butter Tips for the Best Crust and Topping

Cold butter makes the crust and streusel crumbly and rich. If your butter softens too much, chill the mixture briefly before baking.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing

These bars can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. They also freeze well, but add caramel after thawing to keep it fresh.

Recommended Chilling and Slicing

For neat slices, chill for several hours before cutting. A plastic knife or butter knife glides through the layers more cleanly than a sharp blade.

Variations and Substitutions

Best Apple Choices

Granny Smith apples keep their shape and add tang, but Honeycrisp or Fuji will give a sweeter twist.

Oat Options for the Streusel

Quick oats create a finer crumble, while regular oats give more texture. If using regular oats, pulse them briefly in a food processor.

Other Flavor Twists

Try adding chopped pecans to the streusel for crunch. Swap the caramel for a drizzle of chocolate or maple glaze for a fun holiday twist.

Related Recipes:

• More Thanksgiving recipes
• Apple Crumb Cake

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring cozy fall flavors together in one easy dessert. They’re creamy, crunchy, and just sweet enough, making them a terrific choice for Thanksgiving tables or autumn potlucks. Once chilled, they slice beautifully and always disappear fast. You can even share and save this recipe on Pinterest to keep it handy for your holiday baking lineup.

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