Can I make these bars in advance?

Yes! These bars are perfect for making ahead. They actually taste better after chilling overnight.

What type of apples should I use?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great. You want apples that hold their shape but are sweet-tart for balance.

Can I use store-bought caramel?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s thick enough to drizzle without running too much. You can also microwave to loosen it.

Can I freeze these bars?

Yes. Wrap bars individually and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

If you love cheesecake and all things fall, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are about to be your new obsession. With a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy vanilla cheesecake, a layer of cinnamon-sautéed apples, and gooey caramel drizzle—every bite tastes like autumn in dessert form.

They’re perfect for holiday gatherings, bake sales, Friendsgiving, or anytime you’re craving something cozy and sweet. They also slice cleanly and store beautifully, making them a go-to dessert for entertaining.

🍎 Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp brown sugar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz 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 & diced
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
⅛ tsp nutmeg

For the Topping:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

🛒 Shop Essentials

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
Mix graham crumbs, melted butter, and brown sugar in a bowl. Press firmly into pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Topping

In a skillet, sauté apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until tender (about 5–7 minutes). Set aside to cool.

Step 3: Make Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fully combined.
Pour over the crust and smooth evenly.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Evenly spoon sautéed apples over cheesecake layer.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until center is set. Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Top & Serve

Drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Slice into bars and enjoy!

🍁 Why You’ll Love These Bars

✅ Combines cheesecake + caramel apples
✅ Easy to make ahead
✅ Great for fall baking, holidays & events
✅ Portable & party-friendly

🍂 Variations

Streusel Top: Add a crumble topping before baking for a bakery-style finish
Salted Caramel: Use a salted caramel sauce for a sweet & salty twist
Apple Pie Spice: Swap cinnamon & nutmeg with 1 tsp apple pie spice
Mini Versions: Use a muffin tin for single-serve cheesecake bites

📦 Storage

Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 5 days
Freeze for up to 1 month—wrap bars individually in plastic wrap

📌 Related YesWeCoupon Desserts

💬 Reader Reviews

“The apples were soft and spiced just right, and the cheesecake layer was super creamy!” – Danielle H.

“Perfect dessert for Thanksgiving! Everyone went back for seconds.” – Melissa T.

🍎 Elegant Ways to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These bars are delicious on their own, but if you’re serving them for guests or a holiday gathering, presentation makes all the difference.

🍽️ Individual Servings

Cut the bars into clean, even squares and plate each one with a swirl of caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar. Add a thin apple slice or cinnamon stick as a garnish for visual flair.

🧁 Mini Muffin Versions

Use a mini muffin tin and cupcake liners to make bite-sized cheesecake bars. Press a small amount of crust into each cup, top with filling and apples, and bake as usual. These are perfect for dessert tables, baby showers, or fall-themed buffets.

🧊 Chilled Cheesecake Bar Tray

Arrange bars on a large platter over parchment paper with small labels like “Classic Apple,” “Salted Caramel,” or “Nut-Free.” Serve slightly chilled with mini forks for easy party grazing.

🍂 Perfect for Any Fall Occasion

These cheesecake bars aren’t just for Thanksgiving—use them year-round for all kinds of fall events:

🍁 Friendsgiving Potlucks – Slice in advance and store chilled until it’s time to serve. They travel well and don’t require utensils.
🥧 Pie Swap Alternative – When everyone else brings pumpkin, bring these instead. They stand out with unique texture and layered flavor.
🧺 Autumn Picnics or Tailgates – Wrap individual bars in parchment and stack in a cooler.
🎃 Halloween Parties – Add candy caramel drizzle, edible gold dust, or chopped Snickers on top for a spooky-sweet upgrade.

🌾 Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Options

You can easily tweak this recipe for dietary needs:

🌿 Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free graham crackers or oats for the crust.
Double-check that your caramel and cream cheese are certified GF.

🥥 Dairy-Free Version

Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives (like Kite Hill or Tofutti).
Use coconut oil instead of butter for the crust.
Choose a dairy-free caramel like Nature’s Charm coconut caramel.

These substitutions allow everyone at the table to enjoy a slice—without sacrificing flavor or texture.

🔁 Fun Flavor Swaps & Add-Ins

Want to mix things up a bit? Try these creative add-ons:

Maple-Apple Cheesecake Bars – Swap the caramel drizzle with real maple syrup and add a pinch of cloves to the apples.
Apple Cranberry Swirl – Add ¼ cup of dried cranberries to the apple mixture for a sweet-tart punch.
Pecan Crunch Topping – Sprinkle chopped candied pecans over the bars before baking or immediately after.
Pumpkin Spice Twist – Add ½ cup pumpkin puree and 1 tsp pumpkin spice to the cheesecake layer for an autumnal mashup.

🍴 Cleanup & Make-Ahead Tips

Line your baking pan with parchment paper so you can lift the whole batch out and cut clean slices.
Chill bars at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for flavor.
Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the fridge to keep that creamy texture intact.