Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe | Amazing Holiday Treat

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Author: Zohra
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Get ready for something special — this easy caramel apple cheesecake Bars Recipe brings creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and tender apples together in every bite. It’s a quick, festive dessert that everyone loves, and this caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe will instantly become your new holiday favorite.It’s rich, festive, and the kind of dessert that disappears fast at Christmas gatherings. Perfect for cozy nights or sweet holiday moments with family.

Easy Christmas tree cupcakes with green frosting and powdered sugar snow

Why You’ll Love This easy caramel apple cheesecake Bars Recipe

This easy caramel apple cheesecake Bars Recipe feels like Christmas in dessert form — a delicious mix of cheesecake, caramel drizzle, and baked apple goodness that’s perfect for festive gatherings. You get that creamy cheesecake center paired with buttery crust and spiced apples that melt in your mouth. The caramel drizzle adds a glossy, irresistible finish that makes every bite feel indulgent.

It’s a treat that’s both elegant and easy to make, which means you can enjoy the taste of homemade cheesecake without the fuss of a full-sized cake. Every slice tastes like a mix between apple pie and cheesecake — comforting, sweet, and wonderfully festive. Whether you’re hosting or gifting, this dessert brings warmth and cheer to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Easy Christmas tree cupcake with green frosting and golden star topper for caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe

For the Crust

You’ll need graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a little sugar. Mix until the texture feels like damp sand, then press into your pan for that sturdy, buttery base. For a twist, try using vanilla wafer crumbs or even crushed ginger snaps for a cozy spice kick.

For the Cheesecake Layer

Cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla create a silky filling. Add a swirl of caramel sauce to infuse rich, buttery sweetness. Make sure your cream cheese is softened — it blends better and creates a smooth, lump-free texture.

For the Apple Topping and Streusel

Dice your favorite baking apples, then toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a touch of lemon juice. Combine flour, butter, and oats for the crumbly streusel topping. The mix of crisp apples and golden crumble gives these bars that irresistible texture contrast.

Optional Garnishes

Once baked, drizzle with caramel sauce, add whipped cream, or sprinkle crushed pecans for a nutty crunch. These small touches make your bars look bakery-ready and extra festive.

Equipment You’ll Need

You won’t need fancy tools for this recipe. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan, a hand or stand mixer, mixing bowls, and a rubber spatula. A cooling rack helps chill the bars evenly. Most of these are kitchen basics you already have, making this recipe super convenient for home bakers.

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

Step 1 – Prepare the Crust

Chocolate cake batter mixed with green spatula in metal bowl

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking pan, forming an even layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes to set, then let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.

Step 2 – Mix the Cheesecake Filling

Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition. Stir in vanilla and a few spoonfuls of caramel sauce. Pour the creamy filling over the cooled crust, spreading evenly.

Step 3 – Prepare the Apple Layer

Peel and dice the apples into small cubes. In a bowl, coat them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Spread the coated apples gently over the cheesecake layer. They’ll caramelize beautifully as they bake.

Step 4 – Add the Streusel Topping

In another bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apples. This layer bakes into a crisp, golden topping that smells incredible while it cooks.

Step 5 – Bake and Cool

Freshly baked chocolate cupcakes cooling in muffin pan

Bake for 35–40 minutes until the edges are golden and the center is just set. The bars should jiggle slightly in the middle — that’s the sign of perfect cheesecake texture. Let them cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before cutting.

Step 6 – Add Caramel Drizzle

Piping green frosting onto cupcakes with gold liners

Warm your caramel sauce and drizzle over each bar before serving. The glossy caramel adds shine and extra sweetness, making every slice look picture-perfect.

Decorating Christmas tree cupcake with green frosting and star topper

Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bars

For the besteasy caramel apple cheesecake Bars Recipe, always start with room-temperature cream cheese for a perfectly creamy filling and smooth texture. Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light. If your bars crack slightly, don’t worry — the caramel drizzle covers everything beautifully. Chill the bars fully before slicing for clean edges. Also, use parchment paper to lift them out easily once set.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

You can customize this easy caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe easily — swap apples for pears, add nuts for crunch, or drizzle white chocolate for a twist. For a richer crust, use shortbread crumbs instead of graham crackers. Try stirring in white chocolate chips or toasted pecans for an indulgent touch. If you love cinnamon spice, add a dash of clove or nutmeg to the apple layer. For something lighter, drizzle with honey instead of caramel.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

This easy caramel apple cheesecake bars recipe is perfect for making ahead of the holidays. Bake, chill, and serve when needed for a stress-free dessert. You can bake them a day early and store in the fridge, covered, for up to 5 days. To freeze, slice into bars, place on a tray to firm up, then store in an airtight container. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and add caramel drizzle just before serving.

Expert Notes and Serving Ideas

Serve these bars chilled or slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They’re also amazing with a drizzle of extra caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for a salted caramel twist. For neat slices, use a hot knife and wipe between cuts. These bars pair wonderfully with a cup of hot cider or coffee during winter gatherings.

Conclusion

Thiseasy caramel apple cheesecake Bars Recipecombines creamy cheesecake, buttery crumble, and gooey caramel for a dessert that tastes like pure Christmas comfort. Add it to your holiday menu, and it’s sure to become a family favorite every year.. It’s simple to make yet feels fancy enough for any celebration. So grab those apples, warm up the oven, and let your kitchen fill with that sweet, cozy aroma — this is one treat you’ll want on your holiday dessert table again and again.

Find more cozy dessert inspiration on Pinterest.

Christmas tree cupcakes with green frosting and powdered sugar snow
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Easy Christmas tree cupcakes with green frosting and powdered sugar snow

Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe | The Ultimate Christmas Dessert


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  • Author: Zohra
  • Total Time: 25 minutes plus cooling
  • Yield: 24 cupcakes 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Creamy caramel apple cheesecake bars with buttery crust, spiced apples, and golden streusel — a festive dessert perfect for Christmas gatherings or cozy nights.


Ingredients

Scale

1 box chocolate cake mix

½ cup vegetable oil

3 eggs

1 cup water

2 cups butter, softened

10 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

10 tablespoons heavy cream

Pinch of salt

Green gel food coloring

Star sprinkles

Christmas pearls or other festive sprinkles


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F and line a cupcake pan with liners.

2. Mix oil, eggs, and water with the cake mix until smooth.

3. Divide batter into liners using about ¼ cup per cupcake.

4. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then move to a wire rack to cool completely.

6. To make frosting, beat butter until fluffy.

7. Gradually alternate adding powdered sugar and heavy cream until fully combined.

8. Mix in vanilla and a pinch of salt.

9. Add green gel coloring until desired shade is reached.

10. Pipe frosting in a spiral motion using a 1M tip to form tree shapes.

11. Add star sprinkles at the top and other decorations immediately before the frosting sets.

Notes

Add sprinkles immediately after piping the frosting so they adhere well.

For a richer green, mix in a small amount of blue and black gel coloring.

Use a star piping tip for realistic texture.

Let cupcakes cool completely before decorating to prevent melting.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Christmas Dessert Recipes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cupcake
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 56g
  • Sodium: 281mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 68mg

Hi, I’m Clara

I’m the recipe creator behind HerCozyRecipes, where I share simple, comforting meals made for real life. From cozy breakfasts to hearty dinners and sweet treats, I love helping home cooks bring warmth, flavor, and joy to the table.

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