🥄 By Madison | September 26, 2025
There’s nothing cozier than the smell of apples, cinnamon, and caramel baking in the oven. These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a perfect mix of creamy cheesecake, crisp apples, and sweet caramel on a buttery graham cracker crust. Simple enough for a weekday treat, yet elegant enough for a dinner party — this dessert truly has it all.
Let’s bake something delicious together!
🍪 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Mixture:
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt, for garnish
🔁 Ingredient Substitutions
- Crust Twist: Swap graham crumbs with crushed Oreos or digestive biscuits.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based butter.
- Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a warm, rich flavor.
- Apple Options: Try Fuji or Braeburn apples for a sweeter variation.
⚖️ Measuring Tips for Perfect Results
- Use dry measuring cups for solids like crumbs and sugar.
- Use liquid measuring cups for melted butter.
- Pack brown sugar firmly for accurate measurement.
- Always soften cream cheese before mixing for a lump-free batter.
🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some overhang on the sides for easy lifting later.
2. Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix until coated evenly.
Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to form the crust. Set aside.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling
In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and brown sugar until smooth.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and mix until creamy.
4. Add the Apple Mixture
In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with cinnamon.
Fold the cinnamon apples gently into the cheesecake batter until evenly distributed.
5. Layer and Swirl
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust.
Drizzle salted caramel sauce on top and use a knife to create pretty caramel swirls.
6. Bake and Chill
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center still has a slight jiggle.
Let it cool for 1 hour at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better).
🍰 Cutting & Serving Tips
- Chill bars completely before slicing.
- Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean after each cut.
- For neat, even bars, mark your cuts with a ruler first.
Serve with extra caramel drizzle, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a dollop of whipped cream for a bakery-style finish.
🧊 How to Store or Freeze Cheesecake Bars
Fridge:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Layer parchment paper between pieces to prevent sticking.
Freezer:
- Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
💡 Tips for a Creamy, Crack-Free Cheesecake
- Always use softened cream cheese and room-temperature eggs.
- Avoid overbaking — the center should jiggle slightly.
- Let bars cool gradually before refrigerating to prevent cracking.
🍏 Fun Variations
Fruit Swaps:
- Try pears, berries, or cranberries for a flavor twist.
- Combine apples and cranberries for a tangy-sweet combo.
Gluten-Free Version:
- Use gluten-free graham crackers or cookies.
- All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Toppings to Try:
- Extra salted caramel drizzle
- Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- Sea salt flakes for crunch
- A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I use different apples?
Yes! Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp brings sweetness. Fuji and Braeburn also work well.
Q: How long do these bars last?
Up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely — make a day ahead for the best flavor and chill overnight.
Q: How do I reheat them?
Microwave one bar for 10 seconds, or let sit at room temp before serving. Avoid overheating.
🧡 Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate comfort dessert — creamy, crunchy, and perfectly balanced with sweet and salty flavors. Whether it’s for fall baking, Thanksgiving, or a weekend treat, they’ll impress every time.
✨ Tip: Make a double batch — these bars disappear fast!
