Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars (Easy Fall Dessert for a Crowd!)

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If you love cheesecake but want something easier to serve, these apple cinnamon cheesecake bars are the answer. With a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and a sweet streusel topping, every bite tastes like fall in dessert form.

Apple cinnamon cheesecake bars (with a gooey caramel sauce that develops as it bakes) are a wonderful alternative to a traditional cheesecake, and perfect for feeding a crowd!

As they bake, the cinnamon and brown sugar bubble into a gooey caramel-like sauce that seeps into the apples and cheesecake layer. The result? A rich, cozy dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or anytime you’ve got extra apples on hand.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake made easy: Bars are simpler to bake and serve than a full cheesecake.
Perfect for fall: Spiced apples + cinnamon streusel = warm autumn flavors.
Feeds a crowd: Makes 20 bars—ideal for potlucks or family gatherings.
Make-ahead friendly: Chill in the pan, slice, and store until ready to serve.

Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

Yield: 20 bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Apple cinnamon cheesecake bars (with a gooey caramel sauce that develops as it bakes) are a wonderful alternative to a traditional cheesecake, and perfect for feeding a crowd!

Ingredients

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 sticks salted butter, softened
2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 apples, peeled and chopped fine
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon sea salt

For the streusel topping:

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick cook oats
1 stick salted butter, softened

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss the apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt together in a small mixing bowl and set them aside.

2. Combine the flour and brown sugar in a medium mixing bowl. Use a fork or a pastry cutter to work in the butter until the crumbly mixture is about the size of large peas. As an alternative, you could combine everything into a food processor and make the pea-sized crumbs there with a few whirs.

3. Press the crust mixture evenly in the bottom (and up the sides a little) of a 9x13" baking dish, and then bake it for about 15 minutes, or until it's golden brown.

4. Meanwhile in a large mixing bowl, using a hand-held mixer, blend the cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together for 1 minute. Add the eggs and the vanilla and continue to blend for 1 minute longer. Pour the mixture evenly over the warm crust.

5. Sprinkle the apple mixture evenly on top of the cheesecake batter, followed by the streusel topping (recipe below).

6. Bake it for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the cheesecake filling is just set. Let it chill completely before serving.

For the streusel topping:

Use a fork to combine the brown sugar, flour, oats and butter in a small bowl.

Notes

I let the cheesecake bars cool for about 20 minutes on the counter before moving them to the fridge to finish chilling completely.

Inspired by Paula Deen's recipe for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield: 20 Serving Size: 1 Amount Per Serving: Calories: 373Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 219mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gSugar: 23gProtein: 4g

The Secret to Gooey Goodness

Unlike traditional cheesecakes topped with caramel sauce, these bars create their own magic. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar melts into a syrupy caramel-like sauce while baking. Paired with the creamy filling and crunchy streusel, it’s pure dessert perfection.

Tips for Baking Success

Chop apples small: They need to soften fully while baking.
Use a sharp knife: Santoku or chef’s knife makes peeling and dicing quick.
Cool completely: Bars set as they chill, making them easier to slice.
Rich flavor: A little goes a long way—cut smaller squares for serving.

Delectable apple cinnamon crumb bars in a glass dish on a rustic wooden surface.

Storage & Freezing

Fridge: Store covered up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap bars tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead?

Yes! Chill overnight in the fridge before slicing and serving.

What kind of apples work best?

Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweeter balance.

Can I skip the streusel?

You could, but the topping adds crunch and caramel-like sweetness.

📌 Save This Recipe for Later!

Love this cheesecake twist? Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can make it all season long.

Click the image below to Pin it!