Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars
These Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fall dessert. A buttery Biscoff cookie crust is layered with a creamy and tangy vanilla bean cheesecake filling, topped with gooey homemade apple pie filling, a crisp crumble topping, and finished with a silky drizzle of salted caramel. Every bite is rich, cozy, and perfectly balanced with warm apple spice and creamy cheesecake.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
Biscoff cookies or graham crackers
Salted butter
Apples of choice (I used Granny Smith)
Brown sugar
Maple syrup
Cinnamon
Apple pie spice
Salt
Lemon juice
Cornstarch
Water
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Cream cheese
Granulated sugar
Greek yogurt
Egg
Smooth almond butter
Avocado oil or coconut oil
Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars:
Biscoff Cookie Crust: A buttery, spiced crust that pairs perfectly with cheesecake and apples.
Creamy Cheesecake Filling: Tangy, smooth, and rich with the perfect balance to the sweet apple layer.
Homemade Apple Pie Filling: Gooey, warm, and spiced with cinnamon — tastes like fall in every bite.
Crumble Topping: Buttery and crisp, adding texture and a bakery-style finish.
Silky Salted Caramel: Drizzled over the top for the ultimate sweet-salty flavor combination.
Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert: Bars slice easily, travel well, and taste even better the next day.
Crowd-Pleasing Treat: A guaranteed hit for holidays, gatherings, or anytime you’re craving cozy flavors.
Tips for Making Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars:
Use the Right Pan Size: An 8.5x4.5" loaf pan gives these cheesecake bars their perfect thickness. Using a larger pan will make them too thin, while a smaller pan may cause uneven baking.
Line the Pan with Parchment Paper: Always line your loaf pan with parchment paper and leave overhangs on the sides. This makes it easy to lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan cleanly after chilling.
Press the Crust Firmly: Pack the Biscoff cookie crust tightly into the bottom of the pan. A firmly packed crust prevents crumbling when slicing and gives a solid base for the cheesecake.
Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling without lumps.
Use Freshly Cooked Apples: Cook your apple pie filling until the apples are soft but not mushy. This prevents excess liquid from seeping into the cheesecake layer and keeps the bars stable.
Chill Before Cutting: Allow the cheesecake bars to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps the layers set properly and makes slicing much easier.
Warm the Knife for Slicing: For clean slices, run your knife under hot water, wipe it dry, and cut through the bars. Repeat between slices for bakery-style presentation.
Drizzle with Salted Caramel Last: Add the homemade salted caramel drizzle just before serving for the best flavor and texture. It prevents the topping from soaking into the crumble too early.
Store in the Fridge: Keep the cheesecake bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge before serving.
Serve with Extra Toppings: For an indulgent dessert, serve the bars with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or more salted caramel sauce on top.
How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars:
Room Temperature: Keep bars at room temperature for up to 6 hours if serving the same day.
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The cheesecake stays creamy, the apples hold their texture, and the crumble topping keeps a nice crunch.
Freezer (Whole or Sliced): Freeze the bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, then in foil, or in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Freezer (Individually Wrapped): Cut bars into squares, wrap each one in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for easy grab-and-go treats.
Thawing: Transfer bars from the freezer to the fridge overnight, or thaw at room temperature for 1–2 hours before serving.
Serving Tip: For the best texture, drizzle extra salted caramel on top right before serving.
FAQs:
Q: What size pan do I need to make salted caramel apple crumble cheesecake bars?
A: This recipe is made in an 8.5x4.5" loaf pan, which creates the perfect small-batch cheesecake bars with thick, decadent layers. A 9x5'“ loaf pan can also be used, they will just be thinner!
Q: Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
A: Yes! You can double the recipe and bake it in an 8x8" square pan. Just keep an eye on the bake time—it may need an additional 5–10 minutes.
Q: Do I need to use homemade salted caramel, or can I use store-bought?
A: You can use either! Homemade salted caramel adds the best flavor, but a good-quality store-bought caramel works just as well for convenience.
Q: Can I make these cheesecake bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. These bars need at least 4 hours (or overnight) in the fridge to fully set, so they’re perfect to make a day in advance.
Q: How should I store salted caramel apple crumble cheesecake bars?
A: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. For longer storage, freeze the bars (before drizzling with caramel) for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
A: Yes! Freeze the bars tightly wrapped without the caramel drizzle. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and drizzle with fresh salted caramel before serving.
Q: How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking?
A: The cheesecake layer should look set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center. It will continue to firm up as it cools and chills in the fridge.
Check out my other cheesecake recipes on Instagram:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these salted caramel apple crumble cheesecake bars. Happy baking!
