Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars with Caramel Drizzle are the perfect fusion of cozy fall flavors and creamy indulgence. Imagine a buttery graham cracker crust, a silky cinnamon-spiced cheesecake layer, and a topping of tender caramelized apples — all finished with a luscious drizzle of golden caramel sauce.

Every bite captures the warmth of autumn, the comfort of baked apples, and the decadence of cheesecake in a convenient bar form. These bars are a masterpiece of textures — buttery and crunchy on the bottom, creamy and smooth in the middle, and sweetly spiced on top.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it combines two of my all-time favorites — cheesecake and apple pie — into one incredible dessert.

The aroma of cinnamon and baked apples fills the kitchen as it bakes, creating an irresistible warmth that feels like home.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This is a must-try dessert for anyone who loves fall flavors or classic comfort desserts. The combination of creamy cheesecake and cinnamon apples feels like autumn in dessert form.

Best of all, they’re simpler to make than a traditional cheesecake, with no need for a water bath or springform pan — just pure, easy indulgence that delivers big flavor with little fuss.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Cooling & Chilling Time: 3 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes

Servings: 12 bars

Calories: ~370 kcal per bar

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Graham Cracker Crust:

• 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Apple Topping:

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

For the Caramel Drizzle:

• ¼ cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
• Sea salt (optional, for salted caramel finish)

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
2. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
4. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then remove and let cool while preparing the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined.
3. Mix in vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Topping

1. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter.
2. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples soften and the mixture becomes syrupy.
4. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
5. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Bake the Bars

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set (it should jiggle slightly).
2. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
3. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, until fully chilled and firm.

Step 5: Add Caramel Drizzle and Serve

1. Once the bars are chilled, drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
2. Sprinkle with sea salt (optional) for a salted caramel twist.
3. Slice into squares using a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean edges.

How to Serve

Serve Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars with Caramel Drizzle chilled or at room temperature.

They’re perfect on their own, but you can also:

• Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
• Sprinkle with crushed pecans or toasted almonds for a nutty crunch.
• Pair with a cup of coffee, apple cider, or hot chocolate for a cozy treat.

Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a silky-smooth filling.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to prevent cracking.
• Cool Completely: Let the bars cool fully before slicing — they’ll set better and cut cleanly.
• Caramel Quality: Use good-quality caramel or make your own for a richer flavor.
• Apple Choice: Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness perfectly.

Variations

1. Salted Caramel Pecan Version: Add chopped toasted pecans to the apple topping for extra crunch and drizzle with salted caramel.
2. Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars: Add a streusel topping made with oats, brown sugar, and butter before baking.
3. Pumpkin Twist: Add ¼ cup pumpkin puree and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice to the cheesecake layer for a fall-flavored variation.
4. Shortbread Crust: Replace the graham cracker crust with a buttery shortbread base for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
5. Mini Cheesecake Bites: Make in a muffin tin for individual servings — great for parties or dessert trays.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store bars in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Freeze (without caramel drizzle) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Not necessary; serve chilled or at room temperature.

Special Equipment Needed

• 8×8-inch baking pan
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Skillet (for apples)
• Parchment paper

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! A good-quality store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly, but homemade caramel adds a richer flavor.

Q2: What’s the best apple to use?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are ideal because they hold their shape and have a balanced tartness.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. These bars are even better the next day once fully chilled, making them great for prep-ahead desserts.

Q4: Can I use a different crust?
Yes — try crushed gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or shortbread cookies for a twist.

Q5: How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake layer?
Avoid overbaking and don’t overmix the batter. Cooling gradually also helps prevent cracks.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars with Caramel Drizzle are everything you love about fall desserts — rich, cozy, and beautifully balanced. The combination of creamy cheesecake, warm cinnamon apples, and buttery caramel makes each bite absolutely irresistible.

They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to impress — whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday table, or a sweet treat just for you.