Dessert

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

ByMaya Quinn November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

Introduction

These Salted Caramel Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the best of apple pie and creamy cheesecake in one irresistible treat. Perfect for parties or potlucks, they are easy to make ahead and even better chilled. The balance of sweet apples and salted caramel will have everyone coming back for seconds.

The image shows eight square dessert bars neatly arranged on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. Each bar has three distinct layers: a dense, dark brown base, a smooth, creamy light beige middle layer, and a crumbly, golden brown streusel topping. The crumb layer is chunky and uneven, drizzled with a glossy caramel sauce that also pools artistically on the plate beneath the bars. In the background, more dessert bars are visible in a baking tray, slightly out of focus, adding depth to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup brown sugar
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup caramel sauce
1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch pan. Bake at 325°F for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Beat 16 oz softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Pour the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 3: In a small bowl, toss 2 diced apples with 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg until coated. Gently spoon over the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
Step 5: Bake at 325°F for 35–40 minutes, until the center is just set and the top is golden brown. Let cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Step 6: Once chilled, drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the bars and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp sea salt. Slice into squares and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
Chill overnight for cleaner cuts.
Line the pan with parchment for easy removal.
Warm caramel slightly before drizzling—it spreads smoother.
Don’t skip the salt—it makes the caramel shine.

Storage

Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slightly in the microwave or enjoy cold for the best texture. For longer storage, freeze uncut bars wrapped well for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

A square baking pan lined with parchment paper holds a single thick layer of crumbly streusel topping made up of unevenly sized clusters in light to medium golden brown shades with visible oat flakes scattered throughout. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, with the crumb mixture covering the entire base, showing a mix of coarse and fine textures that look crunchy and crumbly. No other layers or ingredients are visible beneath the streusel topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, but tart apples like Granny Smith work best as they balance the sweetness and hold their texture well during baking.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and avoid overbeating. Also, bake until just set and allow the bars to cool gradually before chilling.

Maya Quinn