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Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars on a white platter

Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

These delightful Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, a sweet and spiced caramel apple layer, and an optional crunchy streusel topping. Perfect for a festive dessert, they combine classic fall flavors with the indulgence of cheesecake.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings 16 bars
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Medium bowl
  • Medium saucepan
  • Electric mixer
  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Pastry blender
  • Wire rack

Ingredients
  

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup melted unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • salt Pinch

For the Caramel Apple Topping:

  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider or water
  • ½ cup high-quality caramel sauce divided (plus extra for drizzling)

For the Streusel Topping (Variation):

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ cup cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces

Instructions
 

Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar, then press into the pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden; let cool slightly.

Make the Caramel Apple Topping

  • Melt butter in a saucepan, add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then cook for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp. Stir in apple cider and ¼ cup caramel sauce, then let cool completely.

Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

  • In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth, then beat in eggs one at a time. Mix in sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

Prepare the Streusel Topping (Optional)

  • In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Assemble the Bars

  • Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust, spread evenly, and then spoon the cooled caramel apple mixture on top. Carefully cover with the remaining cheesecake filling and, if using, sprinkle with streusel topping.

Bake to Perfection

  • Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center retains a slight jiggle.

Cool & Chill

  • Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to ensure proper setting.

Caramel Drizzle & Serve

  • Once chilled, drizzle the remaining ¼ cup (or more) of caramel sauce over the bars before cutting and serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened and do not overmix the cheesecake filling. Chilling the bars overnight will allow them to set perfectly for easy slicing.