Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a decadent dessert that combines a buttery crust, smooth cheesecake, tart cinnamon-spiced apples, a crumbly oat streusel, and a rich caramel drizzle. Each bite delivers comforting fall flavors in a layered, handheld treat that’s perfect for serving at gatherings or enjoying as a seasonal indulgence.
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
- Cheesecake Filling:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Apples:
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or foil.
- In a bowl, mix flour and brown sugar for the crust. Cut in softened butter until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared baking dish and bake for 10–15 minutes, until lightly golden.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla. Spread evenly over the warm crust.
- In another bowl, toss the chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Distribute evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- To make the streusel, mix brown sugar, flour, oats, and softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Let bars cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Drizzle with caramel topping just before serving. Cut into bars and enjoy.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- For a richer taste, swirl caramel into the cheesecake layer before baking.
- Add nuts to the streusel for crunch.
- Serve chilled for clean slices and best texture.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze without caramel for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg