Description
These caramel apple cheesecake bars are the ultimate fall dessert, layering a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping—all finished with a drizzle of rich caramel. Made in one pan and easy to slice, they’re perfect for entertaining or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened or melted as needed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (divided for crust and streusel)
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or packed, divided)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese (full-fat, softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2–3 tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¾ cup quick-cooking oats (for streusel)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Crust: In a bowl, mix 1½ cups flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and ½ cup softened butter until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool slightly.
- Cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs (one at a time) until well combined. Spread evenly over warm crust.
- Apple layer: Toss chopped apples with ¼ cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Distribute evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Streusel topping: In a bowl, mix ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, oats, and ¼ cup melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over apples.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes or until cheesecake is set (edges firm, center slightly jiggly) and streusel is golden brown.
- Cool bars at room temperature, then refrigerate for 2–4 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce over chilled bars. Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor balance.
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to streusel for extra crunch.
- For salted caramel, drizzle with salted caramel sauce or sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Let bars chill fully before slicing to get clean layers and avoid crumbling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
