Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

This caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe brings together creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and a buttery streusel topping. Each bite gives you a cozy mix of crunchy, creamy, and gooey sweetness. The caramel drizzle ties everything together, making these bars the ultimate Christmas dessert to share. They’re easy to make ahead and always a hit at family gatherings.

Why this recipe works for Christmas dessert tables

These bars combine festive flavors everyone loves: cinnamon-spiced apples, rich cheesecake, and golden caramel. They’re easier to serve than a whole cheesecake, which makes them perfect for a busy holiday spread. Guests can simply grab a square and enjoy without fuss. Plus, the warm flavors feel right at home on any Christmas dessert table.

What makes these bars different from traditional cheesecake

Unlike a full cheesecake, this recipe layers crisp crust, creamy filling, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel into portable squares. That means no tricky slicing or water baths. The caramel drizzle adds a gooey twist you don’t usually get in traditional cheesecakes. These bars pack all the indulgence of cheesecake with extra texture and flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple the pantry staples are in this caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe. Each layer builds a flavor that makes the bars taste bakery-quality without extra effort. Use room temperature ingredients for smooth mixing, and you’ll get perfect results every time.

For the crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup softened unsalted butter

For the cheesecake layer

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the apple cinnamon filling

• 3 Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the streusel topping

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup softened unsalted butter
• 1 egg white

For the caramel drizzle

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

Step-by-Step Instructions for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Prepare the crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch pan with greased foil, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. In a bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your pan. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until lightly golden around the edges.

Make the cheesecake filling

While the crust bakes, beat cream cheese with ½ cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing just until combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the hot crust. Working quickly keeps the cheesecake layer smooth.

Toss the apple layer

In a separate bowl, mix apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and 2 tbsp sugar. Toss until evenly coated. Layer the apples neatly over the cheesecake filling, spreading them across the pan.

Mix the streusel topping

Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and butter with a fork until crumbly. Stir in the egg white to help it hold together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apple layer. The streusel will bake up crisp and golden.

Bake and cool the bars

Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, until the center is set and the top looks golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes. Lift out the bars using the foil, then cool completely on a wire rack.

Finish with caramel drizzle and chill

Drizzle the cooled bars generously with caramel sauce. Chill until firm, about 1 hour. Slice into 24 squares for serving. For neat slices, use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

How to get the smoothest cheesecake layer

Always start with room temperature cream cheese and eggs. Beat until creamy but avoid overmixing after adding eggs. This prevents cracks and keeps the layer silky smooth.

Best apples to use and whether to peel them

Granny Smith apples work best because their tartness balances the sweetness of the caramel and streusel. You can peel them for a softer texture, but leaving skins on adds color and extra fiber.

Storage and serving suggestions

Keep the bars chilled until firm and serve them cold or slightly chilled. They taste best the same day but can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For holiday spreads, cut into smaller squares to make them easier to grab and enjoy.

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Perfect balance of textures and flavors

Every square combines creamy cheesecake, tart apples, crunchy streusel, and sweet caramel. The mix of textures makes each bite feel indulgent and satisfying.

Easy to make for a crowd

Unlike a round cheesecake, these bars cut cleanly into 24 servings. That makes them perfect for holiday parties or family gatherings where you need enough dessert to go around.

Festive and versatile holiday dessert

The apple-caramel combination tastes cozy and seasonal, perfect for Christmas. Yet these bars also work for Thanksgiving or any winter get-together, making them a versatile favorite.

Notes and Variations

Using store-bought vs homemade caramel

Homemade caramel adds a rich depth of flavor, but store-bought sauces like Torani or Ghirardelli make this recipe quick and easy. Both give great results.

Ingredient swaps or add-ins

Switch Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp if you want a sweeter flavor. Add chopped pecans to the streusel for nutty crunch. A pinch of ginger can also boost the spice profile.

Important cooling and cutting tips

Let the bars cool completely before cutting. This ensures the layers stay intact and the cheesecake doesn’t smear. For the cleanest slices, chill at least 1 hour before serving.

FAQ About Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Related Recipes to Try

• Banana Pudding Recipe – Creamy Dessert
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Cheesecake
• Salted Maple Pecan Pie Bars
• Homemade Apple Fritters with Apple Cider
• Apple Crumb Cake – Moist and Buttery
• Churro Cheesecake Recipe

Conclusion

This caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe is everything you want in a holiday dessert. The buttery crust, creamy filling, spiced apples, and crunchy streusel come together with a sweet caramel drizzle. They’re easy to slice and serve, making them perfect for a Christmas party or cozy family night. Share them once, and they’ll quickly become a seasonal tradition. For more festive ideas, visit my Pinterest board for inspiration.

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