Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars

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Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars 🍎🍰✨


For a dessert that’s both creamy, crunchy, and perfectly indulgent, these Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars are a dream come true. The recipe brings together buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cheesecake filling, tart caramelized apples, and a crumbly oat topping — all finished with a drizzle of rich salted caramel. Every bite offers the ideal balance of sweetness, saltiness, and texture, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large egg

For the Apple Layer:

  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg

For the Crunch Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

For Finishing:

  • 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • A sprinkle of flaky sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden.

While the crust bakes, prepare the cheesecake filling. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

For the apple layer, melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are tender and coated in a glossy caramelized syrup. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the baked crust, then top with the caramelized apples.

In another bowl, combine flour, oats, and brown sugar. Cut in cold butter with a fork or your fingers until crumbly. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the apple layer to form a crunchy topping.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the cheesecake layer is just set in the center. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing for clean, firm bars.

Drizzle each piece generously with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Serve chilled or slightly room temperature for the perfect creamy-crunchy contrast.

Tips:

Use tart apples for a bright flavor balance against the sweetness of caramel. For extra depth, add a splash of lemon juice to the apple mixture. If you prefer a thicker crust, increase graham crumbs to 2 ½ cups. Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to a month.

Nutritional Information (per bar):

  • Calories: ~340 kcal
  • Protein: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Sugar: 22g

Conclusion:

These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Crunch Bars are a show-stopping dessert that perfectly blends creamy, crunchy, and gooey textures. The layers of buttery crust, smooth cheesecake, and spiced apples make every bite unforgettable — especially with that final drizzle of salted caramel. Ideal for fall gatherings, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.

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