Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars (Easy & Irresistible)

If you love cozy fall desserts with layers of flavor and texture, these Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars are going to steal your heart. Every bite gives you creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, buttery crunch, and just the right touch of salted caramel goodness.

I love how easy these Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars are to make, even when you want something that looks bakery-worthy. They’re perfect for holidays, potlucks, weekend treats, or anytime you’re craving a dessert that feels warm, comforting, and a little indulgent.

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INGREDIENTS

Crust & Crunch Layer

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (240 g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113 g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)

Apple Layer

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups / 300 g)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5 g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)

Cheesecake Layer

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (450 g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)

Topping

• ½ cup salted caramel sauce (120 ml)
• ½ cup crushed toffee bits or crunchy cookies (60 g) (optional but recommended)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy lifting later.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the texture looks like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. In another bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated. Set them aside so the flavors can blend.
5. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm crust. Spoon the apple mixture over the top, spreading it gently into an even layer.
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes at 350°F (180°C), until the center looks set and no longer jiggly.
8. Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with toffee bits or crunchy cookie crumbs if using.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars. This helps the layers set cleanly and gives the best texture.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

• Use the right apples: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape best and balance the sweetness of the salted caramel.
• Don’t overmix the cheesecake batter: Mix just until smooth to keep the texture creamy, not dense.
• Line the pan well: Parchment paper makes lifting and slicing these Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars clean and easy.
• Add extra crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping for even more texture.
• Make it extra cozy: Add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice to the apple layer for deeper fall flavor.
• Short on time? Use a store-bought salted caramel sauce, or make your own if you want a richer finish.
• Make-ahead friendly: These bars taste even better the next day after chilling overnight.

SERVING IDEAS

• Serve these Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars chilled for clean slices and a creamy, smooth texture.
• Drizzle extra warm salted caramel sauce over each bar just before serving for a bakery-style finish.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a light sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant presentation.
• Serve with hot coffee, chai tea, or apple cider for a cozy fall treat.
• These bars work beautifully for holidays, potlucks, bake sales, or as a make-ahead dessert for family gatherings.

FAQs

Recipe

Yield: 12 bars

Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars

Print

These salted caramel apple cheesecake crunch bars are creamy, crunchy, and layered with spiced apples and rich caramel. An easy, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for fall and holidays.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

Crust & Crunch Layer

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (240 g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (113 g)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g)

Apple Layer

• 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups / 300 g)
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 g)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5 g)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)

Cheesecake Layer

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (450 g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)

Topping

• ½ cup salted caramel sauce (120 ml)
• ½ cup crushed toffee bits or crunchy cookies (60 g) (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) pan with parchment paper.
   
2. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
   
3. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
   
4. Toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
   
5. Beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla.
   
6. Spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the crust. Spoon the apple mixture on top.
   
7. Bake for 35–40 minutes at 350°F (180°C), until the center is set.
   
8. Cool completely, then drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with toffee bits if using.
   
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.

Notes

Chill overnight for the cleanest slices and best flavor.

Use firm apples for the best texture.

Add nuts for extra crunch if desired.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 bar
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 360Total Fat: 22gCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 6g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients used.

These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars are one of those desserts that feel extra special but are still so easy to make. The creamy cheesecake, warm spiced apples, crunchy base, and rich salted caramel come together in the most comforting, irresistible way.

If you try these Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars, I’d love to hear how they turn out for you. Don’t forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later, share it with friends, and leave a comment with your favorite twist or topping. Happy baking! 🍎🍰💛