Best Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for a Fall Treat

I don’t know who decided to put apples and cheesecake together, but I owe them a huge thank you!

If you’re looking for cozy fall vibes, you’ll love this dessert.

It’s got a buttery crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, warm spiced apples, and a drizzle of caramel.

The first time I made these, I had to hide a few slices for myself.

(Because you don’t know heaven until you’ve had one of these with your morning coffee!)

They’re not to sweet but enough to feel like you’re indulging.

And if you’re making them for a gathering or bake sale, you can whip them up ahead of time!

And for more treats try my homemade apple crisp or my applesauce recipe!

Here’s how you make them:

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These bars are packed with cozy fall flavors, and the ingredients keep it simple without skimping on taste.

Here’s what you need:

• Graham cracker crumbs – for that classic, slightly sweet crust base
• Granulated sugar – used in the crust, filling, and apples to sweeten things up
• Unsalted butter – melted into the crumbs to hold your crust together
• Cream cheese – the star of the cheesecake layer, smooth and tangy
• Eggs – help set the filling so it holds up when sliced
• Vanilla extract – adds a warm note that plays well with the apples
• Apples – peel and dice them; something crisp like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith works great
• Cinnamon – brings all the fall flavor you’re craving
• Nutmeg – just a little for that extra cozy spice
• Caramel sauce – drizzle it on top once everything’s cooled (store-bought totally works)

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

1. Prep Your Pan and Oven

Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper so the bars lift out easily later.

Preheat your oven to 350°F and give it a minute to warm up while you prep the crust.

2. Make the Crust

Stir the graham crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the texture feels like damp sand.

Press it firmly into the bottom of your pan using the bottom of a measuring cup.

You can stick it in the oven for around 8 minutes so it sets and doesn’t turn soggy later.

3. Mix the Cheesecake Filling

Grab a bowl and beat the cream cheese and sugar until it’s smooth and creamy with no lumps.

Add the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla, and mix just until combined.

4. Toss the Apples

Peel and dice your apples, then stir them with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until they’re well coated.

You want every piece to have a little spice.

By the way, smaller apple pieces work better (they soften faster and slice cleaner in the bars).

5. Layer It Up

Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Sprinkle the apple mixture evenly across the surface.

Gently press the apples down just a little so they settle into the filling.

6. Bake and Cool

Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the center is set and barely jiggles when you shake the pan.

Let it cool completely at room temp, then chill for a few hours in the fridge.

7. Slice and Drizzle

Lift the bars out with the parchment, cut into squares, and drizzle caramel over the top just before serving.

Warm the caramel a bit if it’s too thick.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These bars hit that perfect fall dessert spot: creamy, buttery, slightly tart, and sweet with just enough crunch.

Great for sharing or storing in the fridge for a midweek treat.

Ingredients

Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Layer

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apple Topping

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Caramel

• 1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined, then press into the bottom of the dish to form a crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool slightly.
3. In a bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Pour over the crust.
4. Toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle evenly over the cheesecake layer.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and doesn’t jiggle. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
6. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving and slice into bars.

You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel apple cheesecake bars are one of those desserts that feel like a cozy sweater and a fall candle rolled into one sweet bite.

Make them for a gathering, a bake sale, stash them in the fridge for yourself, or pack a few in a lunchbox for a midday pick-me-up!