Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars start with a shortbread crust, a thick cheesecake layer, and are topped with diced cinnamon apples and a sweet streusel topping. These are a tried and true cheesecake bar dessert recipe.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS

For me, September is all about the apple!
I’ve been making this Paula Deen recipe for a couple of years now and they’ve always been good but they always needed a little more cheesecake filling in my opinion to match the thick crust and ample streusel topping.
So I increased the cheesecake filling and these are even better than I remember.
It may seem like a lot of steps but they actually come together quickly and are well worth your time.
These are always what I take when I’m feeding a crowd.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

WHAT ARE IN THESE BARS?

These have a flaky shortbread crust, a simple cheesecake filling, and has cinnamon apples and a brown sugar streusel on top. Drizzle caramel sauce on top when serving. I like Mrs. Richardson’s caramel or any other brand that’s on the thicker side.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

WHAT KIND OF APPLES SHOULD I USE?

green applesI use Granny Smith green apples because they are a little more tart and the recipe is on the sweet side so it balances out. You can really use any apple you have on hand.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Add some cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg to the apples.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

The cheesecake layer goes on top of the shortbread crust.

diced applesAdd the seasoned apples on top!

crumb ingredients

The crumble on top is pretty simple with some flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter.

crumb mixture

Seems thick but melts down.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

You know it’s done when it’s nice and golden brown.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake BarsYou can add the caramel on top right before serving or before you chill them. This recipe is always requested any time I bring it anywhere.

HOW DO I STORE THESE?

After you have baked the bars let them cool to room temperature then store in the fridge up to 5 days. Some people like to eat these warm as well.

CAN I FREEZE THESE CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS?

Absolutely. You can freeze these caramel apple cheesecake bars up to four months. Just like most cheesecakes, this recipe freezes well. Just make sure to save the caramel topping for when serving.

OTHER APPLE RECIPES:

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

4.52 from 741 votes
These creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars start with a shortbread crust, a thick cheesecake layer, and are topped with diced cinnamon apples and a sweet streusel topping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 24 bars

Ingredients

Crust:

Cheesecake Filling:

Apples:

  • 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped, (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or food processor (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan that is greased or lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
  • In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.
  • For the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture. You can't use a food processor because it will grind up the oats.
  • Sprinkle Streusel topping over apples. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Let bars come to room temperature then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen up to 4 months.
  • Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool. Serve cold and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Source: adapted from Paula Deen.  Increased the cheesecake layer by 1.5. 
Serving: 1grams
Cuisine: American
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
author avatar
Christy Denney
Christy is the voice behind The Girl Who Who Ate Everything! She is no stranger to making meals that kids and adults will love. She grew up in Mesa, Arizona as the youngest of ten kids. She can always be found in her kitchen with music playing and cooking with her kids. She published her first cookbook in 2014. She loves party food that gets the conversations going!