Decadent No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Prepare to be enchanted by these utterly decadent No-Bake Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! This irresistible dessert features a beautifully spiced graham cracker crust, a velvety smooth, no-bake cheesecake filling infused with warming cinnamon and rich caramel, and is crowned with an exquisite spiced caramel apple topping. Every bite offers a delightful medley of textures and flavors that truly captures the essence of autumn. What makes this recipe even more appealing is how surprisingly easy each component is to prepare, allowing you to create an impressive dessert without the fuss of baking. The harmonious blend of rich caramel, comforting cinnamon, fragrant cloves, and subtle cardamom not only accentuates the natural sweetness of the apples but also fills your kitchen with an aroma that is nothing short of magical. These aren’t just good apple cheesecake bars; they are, quite simply, the best you’ll ever taste, perfectly balancing creamy, crunchy, and fruity notes in every bite.

If you’re a fan of autumn’s quintessential no-bake cheesecake delights, you absolutely must try my pumpkin cheesecake bars for another seasonal treat!

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🍏 Why You’ll Adore These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

• Irresistible Topping: The star of these bars is undoubtedly the generous topping, a luscious concoction of tender, juicy apples bathed in a sweet, spiced caramel sauce. Each apple piece is perfectly cooked to a soft consistency and infused with the warm, inviting flavors of your favorite fall spices, creating a comforting and flavorful complement to the creamy cheesecake.
• Caramel Lover’s Dream: Get ready for an explosion of caramel! These apple caramel cheesecake bars are truly loaded with this golden delight. Caramel is not only swirled generously into the creamy cheesecake filling itself, but it also forms the delicious base of the spiced apple topping, and for the ultimate finish, it’s lavishly drizzled over the top of each bar. It’s caramel from crust to topping!
• Perfectly Balanced Texture: Experience a symphony of textures with every forkful. The filling boasts an ultra-creamy, almost mousse-like consistency that melts in your mouth, offering a stark yet delightful contrast to the wonderfully crumbly and flavorful graham cracker crust. This interplay ensures a satisfying mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more.
• Flavorful Spiced Crust: Far from being a mere foundation, the graham cracker crust is a flavor powerhouse in its own right. Infused with a thoughtful blend of cinnamon, aromatic cardamom, and a hint of cloves, it provides a warm, spicy base that perfectly complements and enhances the bright, autumnal flavors of the apple and creamy cheesecake. It’s the ideal foundation for this fall-inspired dessert.

📝 Essential Ingredients for Success

To achieve the perfect caramel apple cheesecake bars, pay close attention to the details of each ingredient. Read through for all the tips you will need for success!
Full steps and ingredients in recipe card below.

• All-Purpose Flour: While not in the crust or filling, flour is sometimes used for thickening apple fillings. For the most accurate results in any recipe calling for flour, it is always best to weigh it using a kitchen scale. If a scale isn’t available, ensure proper measurement by stirring the flour in its bag, then gently spooning it into a measuring cup. Level off any excess with the flat edge of a knife, being careful not to pack the flour into the cup.
• Caramel Sauce: The quality of your caramel significantly impacts the final taste. I highly recommend using a rich, homemade salted caramel sauce for unparalleled depth of flavor. However, if time is a factor, any high-quality, thick store-bought caramel sauce will work beautifully. For an extra luxurious touch, dulce de leche is an absolutely amazing alternative that adds a distinct, rich caramel note. Ensure your chosen caramel is thick enough to hold its own in the filling and topping.
• Cream Cheese: For that signature rich and creamy no-bake cheesecake texture, full-fat, brick-style cream cheese is non-negotiable. Brands like Philadelphia are ideal due to their consistent texture and fat content. Avoid using reduced-fat or whipped cream cheese varieties, as their higher water content will prevent the cheesecake from setting properly, resulting in a runny filling. You’ll need two 8-ounce bricks of cream cheese to achieve the desired richness and stability.
• Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Cloves: This carefully selected trio of spices forms the perfect autumnal apple spice blend. Cinnamon provides classic warmth, cardamom adds an exotic, aromatic depth, and cloves contribute a pungent, sweet-spicy note. Together, these spices create an incredibly fragrant profile that elevates the apple flavor, making it intensely comforting and perfectly suited for a fall dessert.
• Crushed Graham Crackers: The base of our crust, graham cracker crumbs provide that classic sweet and slightly salty foundation. You can easily crush your own graham crackers in a food processor or by hand for a coarser texture, or opt for convenience with pre-crushed crumbs. For an interesting twist and added spice, consider using crushed Biscoff cookies or other spiced cookies. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply substitute with your favorite gluten-free graham crackers or gluten-free cookies.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: This ingredient is crucial for achieving the light, airy, and mousse-like texture of the no-bake filling. It’s essential to use heavy cream with a fat content of 35% or higher, as this ensures it will whip up to firm, stiff peaks. For the best results, make sure your cream, mixing bowl, and whisk attachment are thoroughly chilled before you begin whipping. This helps the cream incorporate air more effectively and stabilize quickly.
• Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice serves a dual purpose in this recipe. In the apple topping, it brightens the fruit’s natural flavor, preventing it from tasting overly sweet and adding a pleasant tang. In the cheesecake filling, it plays a subtle but important role in helping the cheesecake set by reacting with the dairy proteins. Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice over bottled for its superior, more vibrant flavor.

If you savor the complex flavors of spiced apple desserts, you’re going to fall in love with this chai cake – it features an absolutely divine spiced apple filling!

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Topping Step-by-Step

Step 1: Begin by preparing your apples; peel, core, and slice them into uniform pieces. In a wide, non-stick pan, combine the sliced apples with fresh lemon juice, rich caramel sauce, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, a pinch of cloves, and fragrant cardamom. Place the pan over low heat, stirring the mixture frequently to ensure the apples cook evenly and to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning. As the apples gently simmer, they will release their natural juices, which will then combine with the caramel and spices to create a thick, glossy sauce.

Step 2: Continue to cook the apple mixture for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has significantly thickened and the apple slices are very soft and tender, easily pierced with a fork. Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and carefully transfer the warm caramel apple topping into a non-metal container. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature, then cover it tightly and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. This topping can be made a day or two in advance, making your dessert preparation even easier.

Spiced Graham Cracker Crust Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine your finely crushed graham cracker crumbs with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir these dry ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture holds together when pressed. Ensure there are no dry spots, and gently break up any lumps of brown sugar with your spoon to achieve a uniform texture.

Step 2: Prepare an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave an overhang on two opposite sides, creating “handles” that will allow for easy removal of the cheesecake bars once they are set. Transfer the graham cracker mixture into the prepared dish. Using the bottom of a flat glass or a measuring cup, firmly and tightly pack down the crust mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the pan. A well-packed crust ensures it won’t crumble apart when sliced. Set the pan aside while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

Creamy No-Bake Cheesecake Filling Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large, chilled mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, pour in your very cold heavy whipping cream. Whip the cream on high speed until it forms stiff peaks. This means the cream will hold its shape when the whisk is lifted. Immediately transfer the whipped cream to the fridge to keep it cold and stable while you prepare the remaining components of the cheesecake filling. This step is crucial for the cheesecake’s airy, mousse-like texture.

Step 2: In a separate large bowl (or stand mixer), combine the softened, room-temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, a pinch of sea salt, pure vanilla extract, a generous amount of caramel sauce (use 2 tablespoons if your sauce is on the thinner side, up to ¼ cup for thick sauces), and ground cinnamon. Beat these ingredients together with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, light, and creamy, with no lumps of cream cheese remaining. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to ensure everything is fully incorporated. Finally, add the fresh lemon juice and mix again briefly to combine, which helps to brighten the flavor and aid in setting.

Step 3: Retrieve the whipped cream from the refrigerator. Gently, but thoroughly, fold the whipped cream into the prepared cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Use a light, lifting motion to incorporate the cream without deflating it, aiming for a homogenous and airy filling. Once smooth and evenly combined, carefully transfer the entire cheesecake filling over the packed graham cracker crust in your prepared dish. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top surface of the filling. This ensures a beautifully presented bar. Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally, overnight, to allow it to firm up and fully set, and for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Once the cheesecake has chilled sufficiently and is firm, carefully remove it from the pan by lifting it using the parchment paper handles. Place the cheesecake block onto a cutting board. For neat, clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth after each cut. I recommend cutting the cheesecake into four rows by three columns, yielding 12 perfectly sized bars. If desired, chill the cheesecake in the freezer for 10-20 minutes before cutting to make it even firmer and easier to slice cleanly.

Step 5: To assemble your delectable bars, spoon a generous amount of the chilled caramel apple topping over each individual cheesecake bar. For an extra touch of indulgence and visual appeal, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce artistically over the topping. This final touch truly completes the rich caramel profile of the dessert.

Step 6: Serve your magnificent caramel apple cheesecake bars chilled for the best flavor and texture experience. These bars are a perfect dessert for any occasion, especially during the fall season. Enjoy the creamy, spiced, and utterly delicious flavors!

🥄 Make Ahead and Storage Solutions

These delightful caramel apple cheesecake bars are fantastic for meal prepping or making ahead for entertaining, as they store exceptionally well. To maintain their freshness and creamy texture, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, these bars freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. When freezing, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

To further streamline your dessert preparation, consider making the caramel apple topping a few days in advance. Once prepared and cooled, store it in the fridge in an airtight container or jar for up to two days. This allows the flavors to deepen and saves you valuable time on assembly day. If you’re opting to make your own luscious homemade caramel sauce (which I highly recommend for superior flavor!), preparing it a day or two beforehand is also a great strategy to make the overall process much easier and more enjoyable.

🍏 Selecting the Perfect Apples for Your Cheesecake Bars

The choice of apple variety is crucial for the success of any apple-based dessert, and these cheesecake bars are no exception. For cooking and baking, the ideal apple possesses two key characteristics: it must be firm and tart. A firm apple is essential because it maintains its shape and desirable texture during the cooking process, preventing it from turning into mush. The tartness is equally important, as it provides a vital counterpoint to the sweetness of the sugar and caramel, creating a more balanced, vibrant, and flavorful apple filling that isn’t cloyingly sweet.

My go-to choice for this recipe, and many other baked goods, is Granny Smith apples. They are widely available, consistently crunchy, and boast a wonderfully tart flavor. When baked or cooked, they soften beautifully while still retaining some structural integrity, and their tartness adds incredible depth to the overall flavor profile. Another excellent option, if you can find them, is Northern Spy apples. These heirloom apples are renowned for their exceptional baking qualities, holding up well in pies and other baked goods, and contributing a complex, rich apple flavor. Other great choices include Honeycrisp (known for retaining crunch), Braeburn, and Fuji, all of which offer a good balance of firmness and flavor.

These versatile baking apples are also perfect for creating other delicious treats like these salted caramel apple pie bars and this classic traditional sharlotka cake.

❔ Can I Transform This Into a Full-Sized Cheesecake?

Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable to create a stunning full-sized cheesecake, perfect for a larger gathering or a more traditional presentation. To do so, simply use an 8-inch or 9-inch round springform pan. Follow all the instructions as written, ensuring your crust is pressed firmly into the bottom of the springform pan and the filling is spread evenly. For the best slicing and presentation, I highly recommend adding the luscious caramel apple filling *after* the cheesecake has been sliced into individual wedges. This approach avoids the challenge of cutting cleanly through the soft apple pieces and ensures each slice is picture-perfect. You can then elegantly spoon the topping over each serving, allowing guests to enjoy the full experience of this delightful dessert.

📖 Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

🍂 More Irresistible Fall Recipes

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📖 Recipe

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Mary

These luxurious no-bake caramel apple cheesecake bars feature a flavorful spiced graham cracker crust, a sensationally creamy cinnamon caramel cheesecake filling, and are topped with an unforgettable spiced caramel apple compote. Each element is incredibly simple to create, leading to an impressive fall dessert. The harmonious blend of rich caramel, warm cinnamon, pungent cloves, and aromatic cardamom enhances the natural apple flavor and fills your home with an inviting fragrance. Without a doubt, these are the ultimate apple cheesecake bars for any autumn occasion.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Cheesecake, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12 bars

Calories 397 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  eight inch square baking pan
• ▢
  electric mixer

Ingredients

 

 

Caramel Apple Topping

• ▢ 5 medium apples Granny Smith or Northern spy, peeled, cored, and sliced
• ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
• ▢ ½ cup caramel sauce (thick, homemade or quality store-bought)
• ▢ ¼ cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

Spiced Graham Cracker Crust

• ▢ 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 14 full sheets)
• ▢ ¼ cup brown sugar packed
• ▢ 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ ⅔ cup unsalted butter melted

Cheesecake Filling

• ▢ 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold, 35% fat or higher
• ▢ 16 oz full-fat cream cheese room temperature (2 x 8oz blocks)
• ▢ ½ cup granulated sugar
• ▢ ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• ▢ 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ▢ 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ▢ ¼ cup caramel sauce if it’s not a thick caramel sauce, use only 2 tablespoons to avoid a runny filling.
• ▢ 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed

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Instructions

 

Caramel Apple Topping

• Peel, core, and precisely cut your chosen apples (Granny Smith or Northern Spy are recommended) into uniform slices. Place these slices into a wide, heavy-bottomed pan. Add the lemon juice, rich caramel sauce, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, a hint of ground cloves, and aromatic ground cardamom. Heat this mixture over low heat, stirring frequently with a spatula to ensure the apples cook evenly and prevent any part of the sauce from scorching. As the apples begin to cook, they will release their natural juices, which will then combine with the caramel and spices to gradually thicken into a glossy, fragrant sauce.
  5 medium apples, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ cup caramel sauce, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• Continue to cook the apple mixture for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is for the sauce to become visibly thicker and the apple slices to be very soft and tender, easily mashed with the back of a spoon. Once this consistency is reached, remove the pan from the heat. Carefully transfer the warm apple topping into a non-metal, heat-safe container. Allow it to cool completely to room temperature before covering it tightly and refrigerating until well-chilled. This caramel apple topping can be prepared up to two days in advance, making it a perfect make-ahead component for your cheesecake bars.

Spiced Graham Cracker Crust

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely crushed graham cracker crumbs, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground cardamom, and sea salt. Use a spoon or a whisk to thoroughly combine all the dry ingredients, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the crumbs. Pour in the melted unsalted butter and mix well until all the graham cracker crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand. It should clump together when pressed. Make sure to break up any brown sugar lumps to maintain a uniform texture.
  2 cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom, ¼ teaspoon sea salt, ⅔ cup butter
• Line an 8-inch or 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. It is crucial to leave a generous overhang of parchment paper on two opposing sides; these will serve as convenient “handles” to easily lift the entire cheesecake out of the pan once it has fully set, ensuring a clean transfer and easy slicing.
• Transfer the graham cracker crust mixture into the prepared dish. Using the flat bottom of a drinking glass or a sturdy measuring cup, firmly and evenly pack down the crust mixture across the entire base of the pan. The tighter you pack it, the more stable and less crumbly your crust will be when sliced. Set the pan aside as you prepare the creamy cheesecake filling.

Cheesecake Filling

• In a large, ideally chilled, mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, pour in the very cold heavy whipping cream (ensure it has at least 35% fat). Whip the cream on high speed until it forms firm, stiff peaks. This means that when you lift the whisk, the cream will hold its shape without drooping. Immediately transfer the whipped cream to the refrigerator to keep it chilled and stable while you prepare the remaining components of the filling. This step is critical for a light and airy cheesecake texture.
  1 cup heavy whipping cream
• In a separate large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer (if you have two), combine the softened, room-temperature full-fat cream cheese, granulated sugar, a tiny pinch of sea salt, pure vanilla extract, your chosen caramel sauce (if using a thin caramel, reduce to 2 tablespoons to avoid making the filling too soft), and ground cinnamon. Beat these ingredients with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, wonderfully creamy, and free of any lumps. It’s essential to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Finally, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and mix just until combined; this brightens the flavor and aids in setting.
  16 oz cream cheese, ½ cup granulated sugar, ⅛ teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ cup caramel sauce
• Carefully retrieve the chilled whipped cream. Using a large spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a delicate, upward motion to incorporate the two mixtures, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Continue folding until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform, with a light and airy consistency.
• Transfer the entire cheesecake filling over the packed graham cracker crust in the prepared baking dish. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently spread and smooth the top surface of the filling, ensuring an even layer. This creates a beautiful finish for your bars. Return the dish to the refrigerator and chill for a minimum of 8 hours, or ideally, overnight. This crucial chilling time allows the cheesecake to firm up completely and for the flavors to fully develop and meld.

Assembly

• Once the cheesecake has thoroughly chilled and is firm to the touch, carefully remove it from the pan by lifting it using the parchment paper handles. Place the entire cheesecake block onto a clean cutting board. To achieve beautifully clean and precise slices, use a sharp knife and, importantly, wipe the blade clean with a damp cloth after each individual cut. This prevents the cheesecake from sticking and dragging. For a good serving size, I recommend cutting the cheesecake into four rows by three columns, which will yield 12 perfectly portioned bars. For even firmer bars and easier slicing, you can place the cheesecake in the freezer for 10-20 minutes before cutting.
• To complete your delectable creation, spoon a generous portion of the chilled caramel apple topping over the surface of each individual cheesecake bar. For an extra touch of indulgence and a stunning visual appeal, drizzle additional salted caramel sauce artistically over the apple topping. This final layer of caramel enhances the richness and sweetness of the dessert. Serve these magnificent bars chilled for the optimal flavor and texture experience!

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Notes

Storage: These caramel apple cheesecake bars are an excellent make-ahead dessert and store beautifully. To keep them fresh and delicious, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer enjoyment, these bars can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Make Ahead: To simplify your dessert preparation, you can prepare the spiced caramel apple filling a few days in advance. Once cooked and completely cooled, store it in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for one to two days. If you are preparing your own homemade caramel sauce, I highly recommend making it ahead of time as well. This breaks down the preparation into smaller, more manageable steps, making the overall process much easier on the day you plan to assemble the cheesecake bars.

Key Tips for No-Bake Cheesecake Success:

1. Cream Cheese Selection: For a perfectly set, rich, and creamy no-bake cheesecake, always use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese. Avoid reduced-fat or whipped varieties, as they have too much moisture content and will prevent the cheesecake from firming up properly.
2. Whipping Cream to Stiff Peaks: The heavy whipping cream provides the necessary structure and airy texture. Ensure your cream (and ideally your bowl and whisk) is very cold, and whip it until it forms stiff peaks that hold their shape. This is essential for a stable and delicious mousse-like filling.
3. Adequate Refrigeration: Patience is key! Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows ample time for the flavors to meld beautifully and for the cheesecake to firm up completely, ensuring it holds its shape and slices cleanly.

Nutrition

Calories: 397kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 8gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 569mgPotassium: 262mgFiber: 3gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 683IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 187mgIron: 1mg

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