There’s something incredibly comforting about the marriage of tart apples, creamy cheesecake, and rich caramel, all topped with a crunchy streusel. These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel capture that magic in every bite, making them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a cozy fall gathering or just indulging yourself on a quiet evening, these bars combine the best of a classic Apple Pie and a creamy cheesecake in one delightful dessert. Ready to dive into a world of sweet, tangy, and buttery goodness? Let’s get started!

The Upside of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel

If you love desserts that offer layers of flavor and texture, these bars will quickly become a favorite. The crust, made from graham cracker crumbs, provides a buttery, slightly crunchy base. The cheesecake filling is smooth and rich, perfectly balanced with cinnamon-spiced apples that add a fresh, fruity brightness. The streusel topping brings a satisfying crunch and a hint of brown sugar sweetness, while the drizzle of caramel sauce ties everything together with its luscious, gooey charm.

Unlike traditional cheesecake that requires careful slicing and serving, these bars are easy to portion, making them perfect for sharing or packing as a sweet treat on the go. Plus, they come together with familiar pantry staples and simple steps, making them approachable for bakers of all skill levels. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dessert a standout at holiday dinners, potlucks, or afternoon tea.

The Essentials

2 cups graham cracker crumbs – the base for the crust, giving a buttery, crunchy foundation.
1/2 cup sugar – to sweeten the crust and cheesecake filling.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – binds the crust ingredients together and adds richness.
16 oz cream cheese, softened – the star ingredient for that creamy cheesecake texture.
1 cup sugar – sweetens the cheesecake filling.
3 large eggs – provide structure and richness to the cheesecake layer.
1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting aroma.
2 cups peeled, chopped apples – fresh apples add juicy sweetness and texture.
1 tsp ground cinnamon – spices the apples for a cozy fall flavor.
1/2 cup caramel sauce – drizzled over the bars for that irresistible gooey finish.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour – used in the streusel topping for structure.
1/4 cup brown sugar – adds deep caramel notes to the streusel.
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced – creates the crumbly streusel texture.
1/2 cup oats – brings extra crunch and a wholesome touch to the streusel.

Before You Start: Equipment

9×13-inch baking pan – ideal size for creating those perfect bars.
Mixing bowls – for combining crust, filling, and streusel ingredients separately.
Electric mixer or stand mixer – to achieve a smooth, creamy cheesecake batter.
Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts.
Spatula – for scraping bowls and smoothing layers evenly.
Knife and cutting board – to peel and chop apples.
Oven mitts – safety first when handling hot pans.

Build Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup sugar. Pour in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

Peel and chop 2 cups of apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to infuse warm spice throughout the fruit.

Step 4: Assemble the Bars

Spread half of the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust in the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-spiced apples evenly over this layer. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup oats, and 1/4 cup cold, diced unsalted butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer.

Step 6: Bake and Drizzle

Bake the assembled bars at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the streusel is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce generously over the top for a luscious finish.

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

Swap out the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice to give the bars a warm, autumnal twist.
Use a mixture of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji apples for a more complex apple flavor.
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel topping for extra crunch and nuttiness.
Replace caramel sauce with a salted caramel version for a sweet-salty contrast.
Incorporate a splash of bourbon or rum into the cheesecake batter for an adult-friendly depth.

Things That Go Wrong

Crust is too crumbly: Make sure the butter is thoroughly mixed with the graham cracker crumbs and press the crust firmly into the pan.
Cheesecake cracks: Avoid overmixing the batter and bake until just set. A water bath can help prevent cracks but is optional.
Apples sink to the bottom: Toss the apples with a little flour before layering to help them stay suspended.
Streusel melts or becomes soggy: Use cold butter and avoid overbaking to maintain a crumbly texture.

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare these bars a day in advance and keep them refrigerated, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For longer storage, freeze the bars in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. These bars are best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, making them perfect for prepping ahead of parties or meal prep treats.

Healthy-ish Favorites

New York Cheesecake – a classic rich dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch.
Caramel Apple Crumble Skillet – a cozy, fruit-forward dessert with a crisp oat topping.
Apple Pie – timeless and comforting, perfect for celebrating seasonal apples.

Save & Share

If you love these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel as much as I do, don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite recipe board or share it with friends and family. These bars are a crowd-pleaser and make an excellent gift or potluck contribution. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these bars will deliver that perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and crunchy every time.

In the end, these bars are more than dessert—they’re a celebration of the flavors of fall wrapped up in a decadent, easy-to-eat form. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to the delightful experience of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel. Happy baking!

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