Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

If fall could be baked into a single bite, it would taste exactly like these Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars. Just imagine it with me for a moment: a buttery Biscoff cookie crust (already drooling, right?), a creamy vanilla bean cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon-spiced apples tucked in the middle, a golden oat crumble on top, and a drizzle of dreamy salted caramel to finish.

Trust me — this is the dessert you didn’t know you needed until now. It’s cozy and comforting like apple pie, indulgent like cheesecake, and perfectly handheld like a bar. Basically, it’s the dessert version of “having it all.”

The first bite is a flavor explosion — buttery, crunchy, creamy, sweet, salty, and spiced all at once. It’s the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes and go mmmmm. The apples bring that fresh, tart juiciness, the crumble is warm and toasty, and the caramel… oh, the caramel is the magic ribbon that ties it all together.

These bars are show-stoppers for holiday gatherings, bake sales, or just when you need a little extra sweetness in your life. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, and they’ll make your kitchen smell like an apple orchard hugged by cinnamon.

Recipe Origin

This recipe is inspired by the cozy flavors of autumn — think crisp apple picking, warm spices, and the joy of caramel-drizzled desserts. It combines the heart of an apple crisp, the indulgence of cheesecake, and the charm of a bar dessert. While cheesecake bars are a modern favorite for their convenience, adding apples and crumble makes them feel nostalgic, like grandma’s pie meets your favorite bakery treat.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8-inch square baking pan
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Parchment paper
• Small saucepan (for apple filling and caramel)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board

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Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

This dessert isn’t just delicious — it’s an experience. Here’s why you’re going to fall hard for these bars:

Versatile: Perfect for cozy family nights, bake sales, or fancy holiday gatherings. Serve them casually on a plate or dress them up with a caramel drizzle and a dollop of whipped cream.

Budget-Friendly: Made with simple pantry staples like oats, flour, sugar, butter, and apples. No need to hunt down fancy ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps mean you don’t need to be a professional baker to pull these off. Each layer is simple, but together they create magic.

Customizable: Switch up the apple variety, play with different spices, or swap almond butter for peanut butter in the caramel. You can make these bars uniquely yours.

Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy cheesecake + apple pie vibes + crumble topping = the ultimate trio. These bars appeal to kids, adults, and anyone who loves dessert (aka everyone).

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Always line your pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and clean slices.
• Use room-temperature cream cheese, egg, and yogurt for a silky-smooth cheesecake filling.
• Dice your apples small so they cook evenly and melt into the bars.
• Don’t skip the lemon juice in the filling — it brightens the apples and balances the sweetness.
• Chill before slicing! These bars need time to set, and trust me, the clean cuts are worth the wait.

Ingredients in Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Biscoff Cookie Crust: Buttery, spiced, and the perfect foundation for the layers. Biscoff cookies add caramelized depth, but graham crackers work too.

Apple Pie Filling: Juicy diced apples coated in butter, brown sugar, maple syrup, and warm spices. Think of it as apple pie in miniature form.

Crumble Topping: A cozy mix of oats, flour, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. It bakes up golden and crisp, giving that irresistible crunchy contrast.

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Filling: Creamy, tangy, and rich with vanilla. It’s the velvety middle that ties this dessert together.

Easy Salted Caramel: A 3-ingredient wonder made with maple syrup, almond butter, and oil. Smooth, luscious, and just the right amount of salty-sweet.

Instructions

Let’s build this dreamy dessert layer by layer:

Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix crushed Biscoff cookies with melted butter until sandy in texture. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Apple Filling: In a saucepan, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon, apple pie spice, salt, and lemon juice. Cook until apples are softened and syrupy. Stir in cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and cook another minute until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Make the Crumble Topping: In a bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Stir until crumbly.

Mix the Cheesecake Filling: With a mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, salt, and Greek yogurt, mixing well. Beat in the egg just until combined — don’t overmix.

Assemble the Bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Top evenly with apple mixture. Sprinkle crumble topping over the apples.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

Make the Salted Caramel: In a small saucepan, whisk together maple syrup, almond butter, and oil over low heat until smooth and glossy. Add a pinch of salt to taste.

Finishing Touches: Drizzle the caramel generously over chilled bars.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice into squares, serve cold, and prepare for everyone to ask you for the recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~280–320 (depending on caramel drizzle)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 5 minutes

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• With Coffee: These bars are dreamy alongside a hot latte or cappuccino.
• Party Platter: Arrange on a tray and drizzle with extra caramel for a wow factor.
• A La Mode: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and even more caramel.
• Holiday Dessert Table: They make a perfect shareable treat for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• On Their Own: Honestly, they’re perfect straight from the fridge at midnight.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make these bars a day in advance — they actually taste better after chilling overnight.
• Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze (without caramel) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and drizzle with fresh caramel before serving.

Variations to Try

• Swap apples for pears for a new twist.
• Use peanut butter in the caramel instead of almond butter.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
• Spice it up with cardamom or nutmeg.

Additional Tips

• Slice with a hot knife for clean edges.
• Double the batch for a 9×13-inch pan — trust me, they’ll go fast.
• Don’t rush the chilling step. Patience = cheesecake perfection.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use graham crackers instead of Biscoff cookies?
A1: Yes, graham crackers work perfectly — just add a pinch of cinnamon for that warm flavor.

Q2: What apples are best for baking?
A2: Granny Smith is my favorite for tartness, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji also work well.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Use gluten-free cookies for the crust and gluten-free oats in the crumble.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
A4: Swap cream cheese and yogurt for dairy-free alternatives. Use vegan butter for the crust and crumble.

Q5: How long do these bars need to chill?
A5: At least 4 hours, but overnight gives the best texture.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Definitely — just bake in a 9×13-inch pan for about the same time.

Q7: Can I make the caramel ahead?
A7: Yes, store in a jar in the fridge and warm gently before drizzling.

Q8: Can I skip the caramel?
A8: Technically yes, but why would you? It’s the star of the show.

Q9: How do I know when the cheesecake layer is done?
A9: The edges should be set, and the center should have a slight jiggle.

Q10: Do these bars travel well?
A10: Absolutely! Keep them chilled until serving, and they’re perfect for potlucks or picnics.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars are more than dessert — they’re comfort, nostalgia, and indulgence layered into one bite. With their spiced apple filling, creamy cheesecake center, crunchy crumble topping, and that irresistible caramel drizzle, they’re the kind of treat that turns any day into a special occasion.

So go ahead and bake a batch — whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring one all to yourself (no judgment), these bars are guaranteed to steal the spotlight.

Watch how to bake these irresistible salted caramel apple crumble cheesecake bars: