There’s something magical about the combination of caramel apples, blondies, and cheesecake. Imagine these classic flavors brought together in a single decadent dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, cozy evenings, or even as a special treat for yourself. Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars are indulgent, moist, and bursting with layers of flavor, from the warm cinnamon-spiced blondie to the creamy cheesecake center.

Ready to learn how to make this masterpiece? Keep reading for the full recipe, tips, and serving suggestions to take this dessert to the next level. Spoiler alert: you’ll probably want to save this one as a go-to recipe for years to come!

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars

This dessert ticks all the boxes for comfort food and crowd-pleasers. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Layered Perfection: Each bite gives you the chewy, cinnamon-rich blondie, the tangy sweetness of cheesecake, and the surprise crunch of nuts and butterscotch.
Customizable: You can swap nuts for more chips, go gluten-free with ease, or drizzle extra caramel for extra indulgence.
Seasonal Delight: Apples and caramel are quintessential fall flavors, making this recipe a festive addition to any autumn or holiday table.
Effortlessly Impressive: While it looks and tastes gourmet, it’s simple enough for any home baker.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars recipe

For the Blondie Bars:

2 cups sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup vegetable oil
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, such as Cup4Cup)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups Golden Delicious apples, peeled and diced (about 2 large or 3 small apples)
1/2 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
1/2 cup butterscotch chips

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Topping:

Caramel ice cream topping for drizzling

Necessary Tools

A 9×13-inch baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
Offset spatula
Knife or toothpick to test doneness

How to Make Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Make the Blondie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil until smooth. Gradually add the flour, salt, baking powder, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the mixture resembles a thick cookie dough.

3. Add Apples, Nuts, and Chips

Fold in the diced Golden Delicious apples, butterscotch chips, and chopped nuts. The dough will be thick, so use a wooden spoon or even your hands if necessary. Reserve 2 cups of the dough for the topping and set aside.

4. Prepare the Base Layer

Press the remaining dough evenly into the prepared baking dish to create a firm and even layer. Set this aside while preparing the cheesecake filling.

5. Make the Cheesecake Layer

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth. Spread the cheesecake mixture over the blondie base layer, using an offset spatula to create an even layer.

6. Add the Topping

Using the reserved blondie dough, dollop small spoonfuls over the cheesecake layer. Be sure to leave some areas uncovered to let the cheesecake peek through for a marbled appearance.

7. Bake

Bake the bars in your preheated oven for 50-55 minutes. If using gluten-free flour, you may need to add an extra 5 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center—when it comes out clean, your bars are ready! If the top begins to brown too much before the center is cooked, loosely cover the dish with foil.

8. Cool and Serve

Allow the bars to cool for at least 15 minutes before drizzling with caramel topping, if desired. For clean slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for an hour before cutting.

What to Serve with Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars

These bars are delightful on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, try serving them with:

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm, gooey texture of the bars.
Whipped Cream: Add a dollop for a light and fluffy topping.
Hot Apple Cider or Coffee: The perfect cozy beverage to enjoy alongside this sweet treat.

Tips for Perfect Blondie Cheesecake Bars

Apples Matter: Golden Delicious apples are recommended for their natural sweetness and firm texture, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work too.
Even Layers: Use an offset spatula to spread the cheesecake layer evenly for a professional finish.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge.
Caramel Drizzle: For extra indulgence, warm the caramel topping slightly before drizzling for easier application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend like Cup4Cup. Add 5 extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I skip the butterscotch chips or nuts?

Of course! If you’re not a fan, you can omit them or replace them with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or dried cranberries.

How do I store the bars?

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If freezing, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

Caramel Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars are everything you want in a dessert: indulgent, versatile, and absolutely delicious. With layers of chewy blondie, creamy cheesecake, and a hint of caramel, this dessert is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit your preferences.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to try out other indulgent treats like Cinnamon Roll Honeybun Cheesecake or Butterfinger Caramel Crunch Mini Pies. These recipes are just as decadent and perfect for any dessert lover!

Happy baking, and don’t forget to tag me on Pinterest with your creations!

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: ~340
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g