Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares

Craving a dessert that’s sweet, salty, and absolutely irresistible? These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares combine creamy cheesecake, fresh apples, and a decadent salted caramel drizzle in one mouthwatering treat!

Imagine a smooth, velvety cheesecake layer topped with spiced apples and drizzled with rich, gooey salted caramel. The combination of tangy cheesecake, sweet apples, and the perfect pinch of sea salt creates an unforgettable flavor explosion.

These cheesecake squares are the perfect balance of rich and refreshing, with a creamy texture and a burst of caramelized apple goodness. They’re perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or when you just want to treat yourself!

Ready to make this indulgent dessert? Let’s bake up these Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares and enjoy a sweet, creamy, and salty treat today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Layers of Texture: Buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and crunchy streusel. All in one bite.
• Balanced Sweetness: Tart apples, rich caramel, and just a kiss of salt. It’s sweet, but not too sweet.
• Perfect for Fall or Holidays: Great for Thanksgiving, bake sales, or cozy family nights.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These bars chill beautifully and taste even better the next day.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Cut into squares and serve at parties or wrap for homemade gift trays.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
• Chill Time: 4 hours minimum (overnight best)
• Total Time: About 6 hours, including chilling

Servings
Makes about 16 cheesecake bars (2-inch squares). Great for a small group or double it for a big event.

Difficulty
Intermediate. It’s simple if you follow each step slowly—just layer, bake, and chill.

Required Kitchen Tools

• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls (large, medium, and small)
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Whisk
• Parchment paper
• Knife and cutting board (for the apples)
• Cooling rack
• Spoon for drizzling caramel

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make each layer of this delicious dessert. (Exact amounts will be included in the recipe card at the end.)

For the Shortbread Crust:

• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Light brown sugar (packed)
• All-purpose flour
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt

For the Spiced Apple Cheesecake Filling:

• Brick-style cream cheese (softened)
• Sour cream
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs + egg yolks
• All-purpose flour
• Heavy cream
• Light brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Ground cloves
• Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced small)

For the Brown Sugar Streusel Topping:

• Light brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• All-purpose flour
• Old-fashioned oats
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Pinch of salt

For Garnish:

• Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Flaky sea salt

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Pan

Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang so it’s easy to lift the bars later. Lightly grease the sides.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust

In a bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth and creamy. Add flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until crumbly and combined.
Press this crust evenly into the bottom of your pan.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 15 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.

3. Prepare the Spiced Apple Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until completely smooth—no lumps.
Add sour cream, granulated sugar, vanilla, and flour. Mix well.
Add the eggs and yolks one at a time, mixing on low until just combined.
Pour in heavy cream and mix just until smooth.

Fold in the diced Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir gently with a spatula.

4. Make the Streusel Topping

In another bowl, stir together brown sugar, white sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Pour in melted butter and mix until crumbly. Set aside.

5. Layer and Bake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spread evenly.
Sprinkle the streusel topping over the cheesecake layer.
Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is just slightly jiggly and the top is golden.

Let it cool completely at room temperature, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours—overnight is best.

Variations for Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares

• Use Different Apples: Try Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
• Add Nuts: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and certified GF oats.
• Drizzle Chocolate: For a twist, drizzle dark chocolate over caramel.
• Swap Caramel Types: Use bourbon caramel or homemade spiced caramel for depth.

Serving and Decoration

These cheesecake squares are rich, so small pieces go a long way.
Right before serving, drizzle each bar with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top.
If you want to be extra fancy, add a dollop of whipped cream or a thin apple slice for garnish.

They’re perfect on their own but also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or apple cider on a chilly day.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares

• Chilled: These bars taste best when fully chilled. Let them sit out for about 5–10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Buffet Style: Cut into neat squares and place on a dessert tray.
• Mini Dessert Bars: Slice them even smaller for bite-sized treats at parties.
• Holiday Gift Boxes: Wrap in wax paper and box them up with other homemade goodies.

Storing Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares

• In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep them cold to maintain the cheesecake texture.
• In the Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
  Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Room Temp Cream Cheese: This helps prevent lumps in your batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix on low and stop once things are combined to avoid cracks.
• Cool Gradually: Let the bars cool at room temp before chilling. This prevents condensation.
• Chill Fully: Don’t skip the chill time. It sets the layers and makes cutting clean squares much easier.
• Use a Hot Knife: Dip your knife in hot water and wipe between slices for neat cuts.

Nutrition (Per Square, approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Total Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	13g
Cholesterol	90mg
Sodium	160mg
Total Carbohydrate	34g
Sugars	22g
Protein	4g
Fiber	1g

Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dessert is perfect for making 1–2 days in advance. It tastes even better after resting in the fridge overnight.

Can I use store-bought caramel?
Absolutely. A good-quality jarred salted caramel works great, or make your own if you prefer.

What if I don’t have Granny Smith apples?
Use any firm, tart apple like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. Just avoid very soft or mealy apples.

Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Do I have to use oats in the streusel?
No. You can replace oats with more flour if preferred, but the oats add nice texture.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Squares are layered, flavorful, and surprisingly simple when you break them down step by step. The buttery crust, creamy apple cheesecake, and crumbly topping make this a dessert worth repeating—especially in the cooler months.

If you’re looking for something that feels both homey and special, this is the recipe to try. Let it chill, slice with care, drizzle that caramel, and serve with pride.