The Ultimate Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Estimated reading time: 7-9 minutes | Prep time: 35 minutes | Total time: 6 hours (includes chilling)
Key Takeaways
- Four Layers of Perfection: Experience the perfect texture combination of a buttery oat crumble crust, a rich and creamy cheesecake filling, sweet caramelized apples, and a decadent homemade caramel drizzle.
- Surprisingly Simple Recipe: While it looks impressive, the steps are straightforward and easy to follow, making this a fantastic homemade dessert for bakers of all skill levels.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: These bars are an ideal make-ahead dessert. They need to chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is better!) and freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.
- The Perfect Fall Treat: The warm spices and apple flavors make these bars a showstopper for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any cozy autumn occasion. Serve chilled, as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite autumn dessert. These homemade Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate comfort food, blending four incredible layers of flavor and texture into one perfect square. Imagine a buttery, cinnamon-spiced oat crumble that serves as both the sturdy base and the crunchy topping. Nestled in between is a rich, tangy, and unbelievably creamy cheesecake filling, topped with a layer of tender, caramelized apples bursting with warm spices. To finish it all off, a generous drizzle of homemade salted caramel sauce adds a final touch of gooey perfection.
What makes this recipe truly special is how it combines the best elements of three classic desserts: apple crumble, creamy cheesecake, and caramel apples. While it may look and taste like a gourmet bakery creation, this is a surprisingly simple recipe to make from scratch. The instructions are broken down into easy-to-manage steps, guiding you through creating each delicious layer. These bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family gatherings, holiday parties, or simply as a decadent treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee on a crisp fall afternoon. They are truly the best way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using high-quality, room-temperature ingredients for the filling is the key to achieving the perfect texture in these Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars. Here is exactly what you’ll need for each layer.
For the Crumble Base & Topping
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g) – Provides the structure for the crumble.
- Light Brown Sugar: 1 cup (200g), packed – Adds sweetness and a slight molasses flavor.
- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: 1 cup (90g) – Gives the crumble a wonderful chewy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – For that classic warm spice flavor.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon – Balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (226g), cold and cubed – The key to a tender, crumbly texture.
For the Caramelized Apples
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (28g) – For sautéeing the apples.
- Tart Apples: 3 medium (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced.
- Granulated Sugar: 1/4 cup (50g) – Helps the apples caramelize.
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon – Enhances the apple flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon – Adds a touch of warmth.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – Brightens the flavor and prevents browning.
For the Cheesecake Filling
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese: 16 oz (452g), softened to room temperature – The most important ingredient for a creamy filling.
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) – For sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Large Eggs: 2, at room temperature – Binds the filling together.
- Sour Cream or Full-Fat Greek Yogurt: 1/3 cup (80ml), at room temperature – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – For depth of flavor.
For the Caramel Drizzle
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g)
- Light Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g), packed
- Heavy Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml)
- Pure Vanilla Extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Sea Salt: A pinch, for a salted caramel flavor.
Essential Equipment
- 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Large and Medium mixing bowls
- Electric stand mixer with paddle attachment or a hand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Medium and Small saucepans
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the two long sides. This overhang will act as a handle to lift the bars out later for easy cutting.
- Step 2: Combine Dry Crumble Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and salt. Consequently, this ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Step 3: Cut in the Butter. Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. This cold butter is essential for a tender crust. Set this bowl aside for now.
- Step 4: Form and Bake the Crust. Press approximately two-thirds of the crumble mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake this crust for 15 minutes, until it is lightly golden. After baking, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the fillings. Moreover, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) for the main bake.
- Step 5: Sauté the Apples. While the crust bakes, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Then, add the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. Finally, remove from the heat and let them cool down.
- Step 6: Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar. In a separate medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium speed. Continue beating for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to avoid lumps.
- Step 7: Add Wet Ingredients. Next, add the room temperature eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until each egg is combined. It is important not to overmix here. As a result, your cheesecake will have a smoother, crack-free texture. Lastly, gently mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just incorporated.
- Step 8: Layer the Bars. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the par-baked crust. Then, spoon the cooled apple mixture over the cheesecake layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining crumble mixture evenly over the top of the apples.
- Step 9: Bake the Cheesecake Bars. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. The bars are done when the edges are set and the center has a very slight wobble. Be careful not to overbake. Turn off the oven and let the bars cool in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Step 10: Chill Completely. After cooling in the oven, remove the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack at room temperature. Once at room temperature, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is essential for the cheesecake to set properly for clean cuts.
- Step 11: Prepare the Caramel Sauce. Just before serving, make the caramel. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla and pinch of salt. Let it cool for about 10 minutes.
- Step 12: Garnish and Serve. Once the bars are fully chilled, use the parchment paper handles to lift them out of the pan. Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top before cutting into bars. Serve immediately.
Making the Crumble Mixture
Par-Baking the Crust
Cooking the Apples
Mixing the Perfect Cheesecake Filling
Assembling and Baking the Bars
Making the Caramel Drizzle
Baking Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the cheesecake filling, ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at true room temperature. This is the most important step for achieving a smooth, creamy, and lump-free texture.
- Don’t Overmix the Filling: When you add the eggs, mix on low speed and only until they are just combined. Overmixing incorporates too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then crack as it cools.
- Choose the Right Apples: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are best. They hold their shape well during cooking and their tartness provides a wonderful contrast to the sweet caramel and creamy cheesecake.
- Patience is Key for Chilling: Do not rush the chilling process. The bars need at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set completely. Attempting to cut them too early will result in messy, unset bars. Overnight chilling is even better for the cleanest slices.
Easy Variations You Can Try
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping mixture before sprinkling it over the apples.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make these bars gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
- Different Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or ground ginger to the apple mixture along with the cinnamon and nutmeg for a more complex spice profile.
- Pear Variation: Not an apple fan? This recipe works beautifully with firm pears, such as Bosc or Anjou, as a delicious alternative.
How to Serve & Store Your Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars
These Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars are best served chilled, straight from the refrigerator. The contrast of the cold, creamy cheesecake with the buttery crumble is divine. For an extra decadent treat, serve each bar with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The warm caramel sauce on top of the cold bar is a truly delightful experience.
To store, place the cut bars in an airtight container in a single layer. They will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the bars. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually for 1 hour, then wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. For another fantastic make-ahead dessert, try our easy no-bake Biscoff cheesecake recipe.
Watch: How to Make It
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a perfect make-ahead dessert. You can bake the bars a day or two in advance and store them, covered, in the refrigerator. Prepare the caramel sauce just before you plan to serve for the best results.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, they freeze wonderfully! For best results, freeze them without the final caramel drizzle. Let them chill completely in the fridge, cut them into squares, and then freeze on a baking sheet until solid. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh caramel sauce before serving.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it will affect both the texture and flavor. In the cheesecake filling, sugar helps create a creamy texture. In the crumble and apple filling, it provides essential sweetness and moisture. We recommend reducing the sugar by no more than 1/4 cup (50g) total across all components to maintain the integrity of the dessert.
What are the best apples to use for this recipe?
Firm and tart apples are ideal because they balance the sweetness and hold their shape after baking. Granny Smith is a classic choice for its strong tartness. Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady are also excellent options that offer a great balance of sweet and tart flavors.
