Description
- These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and sweet caramel drizzle, a fall dessert that’s both comforting and impressive.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Apple Layer:
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, finely chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel topping (for drizzling after baking)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch pan.
- In a bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press evenly into the pan and bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Pour over warm crust.
- In another bowl, mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and softened butter for the streusel. Mix until crumbly, then sprinkle over apples.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown. Cool completely.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Chill for at least 3 hours before cutting into bars and serving.
Notes
- You can mix Granny Smith with Honeycrisp for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
- Always cool the bars completely before adding caramel.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze up to 4 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American