Description
Delight in these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tender spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topping, all drizzled with rich caramel for the perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Apples:
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and 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 cooking oats
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Prepare crust: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup softened butter using a pastry blender, food processor, or two forks until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into a greased or lined 9×13 baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from oven.
- Make cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat 3 packages of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the warm crust.
- Prepare apple topping: In a small bowl, combine 3 cups finely chopped Granny Smith apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Spoon this spiced apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling.
- Make streusel topping: Combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup quick cooking oats, and 1/2 cup softened butter in a small bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly – avoid using a food processor to keep oat texture intact.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer. Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the filling is fully set and the topping is golden.
- Cool and serve: Allow bars to come to room temperature, then drizzle 1/2 cup caramel topping over the bars. Chill bars in the refrigerator before serving cold for best flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover bars in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze up to 4 months for longer storage.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Make sure cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- The streusel topping should be mixed by hand to preserve oat texture.
- Bars can be frozen wrapped tightly to enjoy later.
- Drizzle caramel only after baking to prevent burning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (approximately)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
