How long should I chill Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars before slicing?

Let the bars cool at room temperature first, then refrigerate them for at least 2 hours—though overnight is ideal for the cleanest slices and best texture.

What apples are best for baking in cheesecake bars?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work great since they hold their shape and counterbalance the sweetness. You can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix of tart and sweet varieties.

Can I freeze Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?

Yes. Wrap the fully cooled bars tightly (foil or plastic), freeze for up to 2–3 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid freezing after drizzling caramel, as it may alter texture.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge, up to 4–5 days. Drizzle caramel right before serving to prevent sogginess.

Do I need to prebake the crust before adding the cheesecake layer?

Yes. Prebaking the crust for 8–10 minutes helps it set and prevents it from becoming soggy beneath the filling.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – 5 Irresistible Reasons You’ll Love Them

Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 bars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely diced; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed; 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery crust into one irresistible dessert perfect for fall or any season.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cheesecake Filling:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Topping:

2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely diced

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Caramel Drizzle:

1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper.

2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon for the crust. Press into pan and bake 8–10 minutes.

3. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, then spread over crust.

4. Mix diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cheesecake layer.

5. Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter for the streusel. Sprinkle over apples.

6. Bake 35–40 minutes until center is set and top is golden.

7. Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before slicing.

8. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for a tart balance against the caramel sweetness.

Bars taste best chilled overnight for clean slices.

Add a pinch of sea salt over the caramel for a salted caramel version.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 350
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 220
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 12
Unsaturated Fat: 6
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 1
Protein: 5
Cholesterol: 70