Description
These creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a rich and smooth cheesecake layer, topped with diced cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet, crumbly streusel. Finished with a luscious caramel drizzle, they are perfect for autumn snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
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: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare crust: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup softened butter using a pastry blender, food processor, or two forks until crumbly. Press evenly into a greased or lined 9×13 inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Make cheesecake filling: Beat 3 packages of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, then stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract until combined. Pour this mixture over the warm crust.
- Prepare apple topping: In a small bowl, mix 3 cups chopped Granny Smith apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Spoon evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Make streusel topping: Combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup quick oats, and 1/2 cup softened butter in a small bowl. Use clean hands to thoroughly mix the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Do not use a food processor as it will grind the oats.
- Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to come to room temperature, then refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
- Serve: Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel topping over the bars just before serving. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best tartness and texture that balances the sweet cheesecake.
- Make sure the cream cheese and butter are softened for easier mixing and better texture.
- The streusel topping can be customized by adding chopped nuts if desired.
- These bars keep well in the refrigerator for up to five days and can be frozen for up to four months.
- Allow bars to cool completely before drizzling caramel to avoid melting the topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
