Can I make caramel apple cheesecake bars ahead of time?

Yes, and they’re actually better that way. These bars need time to chill so the cheesecake layer fully sets and the slices come out clean. Making them a day ahead gives the flavors time to settle and improves the overall texture.

Why did my cheesecake layer crack or puff while baking?

That usually means the bars baked a little too long or at too high a temperature. Cheesecake should set gently, with the center still slightly jiggly when it comes out. Small cracks won’t affect the taste, but they’re a sign the oven heat was a bit aggressive.

Can I freeze caramel apple cheesecake bars?

Yes, these bars freeze very well. Chill them completely first, then wrap tightly to prevent freezer odors. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator so the cheesecake stays smooth instead of weeping moisture.

Do these bars need to be served cold?

For the best texture, yes. When cold, the cheesecake layer firms up and the layers stay distinct when sliced. Serving them warm makes the filling soft and harder to cut cleanly.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Granny Smith apples work best because they hold their shape and balance the sweetness. Slightly firmer apples like Honeycrisp can work, but softer varieties tend to break down and release too much liquid during baking.

The Ultimate Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Description

Rich caramel apple cheesecake bars with a buttery shortbread crust, thick creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apples, and a crisp oat streusel topping. Designed to chill firm, slice clean, and hold up for make-ahead baking.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter, softened
3 packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup caramel topping

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil or parchment.
Mix flour and brown sugar, cut in softened butter, and press firmly into the pan to form the crust.
Bake the crust until lightly golden, then remove from the oven while still warm.
Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth, then add eggs one at a time and vanilla.
Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm crust.
Toss chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, then scatter evenly over the cheesecake.
Combine streusel ingredients by hand until crumbly and sprinkle over the apples.
Bake until the filling is set and the top is lightly browned.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate until fully chilled.
Drizzle with caramel topping, slice into bars, and serve cold.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture.
Allow bars to chill completely before slicing for clean edges.
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days or freeze up to 4 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 320
Sugar: 24
Sodium: 210
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 12
Unsaturated Fat: 7
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 34
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4
Cholesterol: 75