Perfect Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Imagine biting into layers of buttery crumble, creamy cheesecake, and sweet caramel-drizzled apples. The first time I made these Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars, I was transported back to childhood autumns spent picking apples with my family. The smell of cinnamon and baked apples filled the house, making everyone gather in the kitchen before they were even out of the oven. Honestly, these bars are pure comfort wrapped up in dessert form. My family couldn’t stop sneaking bites (and I couldn’t blame them). They’re dangerously easy to make, so be warned—these bars might just become your new go-to dessert for cozy nights and festive gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Fall: This recipe captures the essence of autumn with warm spices and fresh apples.
• Easy to Make: No need for fancy equipment or skills—just simple steps and ingredients.
• Great for Gatherings: These bars are a crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks, holiday parties, or cozy family dinners.
• Texture Heaven: You’ll love the combination of creamy cheesecake, crunchy crumble, and tender apples.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple swaps.
• Unforgettable Flavor: The caramel apple topping takes these bars to a whole new level of indulgence.

What makes these bars stand out is the balance of flavors and textures. The cheesecake layer is velvety smooth, the crumble adds a delightful crunch, and the caramel apple topping brings sweetness and spice. Honestly, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes after the first bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a midweek pick-me-up, this recipe is a winner.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece. Many of these are pantry staples, so you won’t have to run to a specialty store.

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups (180g) graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup (50g) light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
• ½ cup (45g) old-fashioned oats
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• ½ cup (120ml) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Small saucepan

If you don’t have a 9×13-inch pan, you can use two smaller square pans. A hand mixer works just fine if you don’t own a stand mixer—just make sure to beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. And trust me, parchment paper is your friend here; it makes lifting the bars out so much easier.

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool.
2. Make the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
3. Prepare the apple filling: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and flour. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and slightly caramelized. Allow to cool slightly, then spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
4. Mix the crumble topping: In a bowl, mix together flour, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Use your fingers to rub the cold butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble evenly over the apple filling.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set. Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
6. Finish with caramel: Once the bars are completely cooled and set, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. Slice into squares and serve.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer.
• Parchment paper trick: Leave extra parchment paper hanging over the sides of your pan for easy lifting and slicing.
• Apple variety matters: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast or sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp for a more mellow flavor.
• Don’t overmix: When making the crumble topping, stop mixing as soon as it forms coarse crumbs—you don’t want it to turn into a paste.
• Chill time: Refrigerating the bars is crucial for firming up the layers, so don’t skip this step.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free crumbs and use almond flour instead of regular flour in the crumble topping.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut oil instead of butter.
• Seasonal Twist: Add a handful of fresh cranberries to the apple filling for a tart holiday-inspired variation.
• Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumble topping for extra texture and flavor.

I once tried adding a pinch of cardamom to the apple filling, and it brought a subtle floral note that was divine. Feel free to experiment and make these bars your own!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars chilled or at room temperature. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for an unbeatable dessert experience. They’re perfect as-is, but a dollop of whipped cream wouldn’t hurt, either!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy chilled or slightly warmed.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

While these bars lean toward indulgence, they do offer some perks! Apples are rich in fiber and vitamin C, while oats in the crumble topping provide heart-healthy benefits. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 4g

Keep in mind that the exact nutritional values may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities you use. If you’re watching sugar, try reducing the caramel drizzle or using a sugar-free alternative.

Conclusion

These Perfect Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars are everything you could want in a dessert—comforting, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging solo, they’re sure to impress. I love this recipe because it’s a little nostalgic, a little fancy, and a whole lot of delicious.

Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Share your variations, leave a comment, or tag me on social media—I’d love to see how these bars turned out for you. Happy baking, and remember, every bite is like a warm hug from autumn itself!

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or berries would work wonderfully as substitutes in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these bars a day or two in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator and drizzle the caramel right before serving.

What’s the best way to cut clean, even bars?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut for picture-perfect slices.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan, adjusting the baking time as needed.

Can I use a store-bought graham cracker crust?

Yes, but making the crust from scratch is super easy and adds a homemade touch that’s hard to beat!

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