Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars (Special Secret Ingredient)

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a combination of apple cobbler, caramel apples, and cheesecake – and they are out of this world delicious! It’s the ultimate fall dessert that combines layers of buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and tender apples, all topped with a golden brown streusel and a thick caramel sauce.

Disclosure: I was compensated by Post Honey Bunches of Oats for my work on this post and creating this delicious recipe. All opinions and general ramblings are my own.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Well folks, I dare say I made something amazing!

I was feeling pretty creative and had a craving for some caramel apples, but didn’t want to have to sink my teeth into a whole apple and make a mess. So, I came up with something super tasty and happened to write it all down for you – my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars!

Apple desserts are a favorite of mine, and the first thing I did was make this really easy Caramel Apple Trifle, but I added in layers of the Honey Bunches of Oats – delish!

As good as that was, I wanted to take it a step further while still staying on the whole caramel apple bandwagon.

So, that’s where these Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars come in.

They’re like a plethora of some of my favorite things. It’s a mix of caramel apples, apple cobbler, and cheesecake – all coming together in one delectable dessert that ieveryone loves.

These bars have a crust made out of Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon Bunches and are layered with cheesecake and apple filling, and then topped with more Honey Bunches of Oats.  Insanely good, y’all!

Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

If you love the flavors of cinnamon apples, classic cheesecake, and a streusel topping, imagine putting it all together for the perfect fall dessert! Then drizzle caramel sauce all over the whole thing and serve with a side of vanilla ice cream.

The best part? It’s easy to make! Here are some more reasons you’ll love my cheesecake bars:

• Combines Favorite Desserts: These bars blend the flavors of apple cobbler, caramel apples, and cheesecake, offering a unique and irresistible treat.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common ingredients like cream cheese, sugar, and canned apple pie filling, making it easy to gather what you need.
• Easy to Make: The recipe involves straightforward steps such as blending, mixing, and baking, which are simple even for beginners.
• Delicious Texture: The combination of a crunchy crust, creamy cheesecake, and soft apple filling provides a delightful contrast in textures.
• Make Ahead: These bars can be prepared in advance, stored in the fridge, and served when needed, helping to reduce stress about dessert preparation.
• Impressive Presentation: Drizzling caramel on top before serving adds a beautiful touch that impresses guests.

Ingredients Needed for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

I promised this recipe would be simple to make! As you can see, I don’t use a bunch of ingredients. Using pre-made apple pie filling really helps cut down on the time it takes to make this recipe.

Crust Ingredients

• Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon Bunches: These cereals give the crust a unique, sweet flavor and a nice crunch.
• Butter: This helps to bind the crust together and adds a rich, buttery taste.
• Sugar: It sweetens the crust to perfection.
• Flour: Acts as the base of the crust, giving it structure.

Filling Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature for a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling.
• Eggs: They help to set the cheesecake as it bakes.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely aroma and flavor.
• Apple Pie Filling: This adds the apple flavor to your cheesecake bars. You can choose your favorite brand or make your own.
• Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon Bunches: This will make the crumble topping to sprinkle on top for added texture and flavor.
• Jarred Caramel for Drizzling: Adding some salted caramel sauce adds a sweet and sticky topping that complements the apple and cheesecake flavors beautifully.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

I love how easy it is to make this recipe. Sometimes a delicious dessert doesn’t need hours or labor!

Step 1. Prepare Your Baking Dish

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper and spray lightly with non-stick cooking spray.

Step 2. Make the Crust

• In a food processor, lightly crush the cereal. Move it to a medium bowl and combine with melted butter, 1/4 cup of sugar, and flour.
• Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until just set.

Step 3. Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture

• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
• Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4. Assemble the Bars:

• Pour the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust in an even layer.
• Spread the apple filling over the cream cheese layer.
• Sprinkle the Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon Bunches over the apple layer.

Step 5. Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

• Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until set.
• Remove from the oven and immediately drizzle with caramel sauce.

Step 6. Cool and Serve

• Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. For best results, refrigerate for a few hours before serving.
• Serve additional caramel drizzle over the bars if desired.

How to Store Cheesecake Bars

Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed for up to 5 days.

More Cheesecake Awesomeness

• Cheesecake Pancakes
• Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast
• Mini Cookie Dough Cheesecake
• No-bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake
• Gooey Butter Cake

Delicious Apple Desserts

• Crockpot Apple Cobbler
• Caramel Apple Dumplings
• Apple Tres Leches Cake

Print Pin

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• For the crust:
• 3 cups Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon Bunches flavor OR Honey Oat
• 1 cup butter melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup flour
• For the filling:
• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 21 oz can of apple pie filling
• 3/4 cup Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon Bunches - OR Honey Oat to top with
• jarred caramel for drizzling

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
• In a food processor or blender, process the cereal until lightly crushed. Combine cereal mixture with melted butter, sugar, and flour. Press into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes.
• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar until smooth & creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, along with the vanilla. Pour over the warm crust. Spread the apple filling over top. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup of Honey Bunches of Oats Apple & Cinnamon Bunches.
• Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Drizzle jarred caramel over top. Let cool before slicing. Store in the fridge & serve the bars with more drizzled caramel if desired.