Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crumb crust, smooth cream cheese filling, tender spiced apples, and a crunchy oat streusel topping. Finished with a decadent caramel drizzle, they are a perfect autumn dessert that’s easy to make and sure to impress. With 24 servings, these bars are great for parties or family gatherings and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for convenience.

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

Apple Topping

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

Finishing

1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the crust and later the entire bars.
Make 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 foil/parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned to set the base.
Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar at medium speed until smooth using an electric mixer. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract to incorporate flavor uniformly. Pour this creamy mixture over the warm crust.
Add Apple Layer: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Spread this spiced apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese filling to add texture and flavor.
Make Streusel Topping: In another small bowl, mix 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, and 1/2 cup quick cooking oats. Use your clean hands to thoroughly combine 1/2 cup softened butter into the dry ingredients until well mixed but not processed, preserving the oat texture. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
Bake Bars: Place the assembled pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the filling is set and the streusel topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow bars to come to room temperature. These bars can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 4 months.
Drizzle and Serve: Before serving, drizzle 1/2 cup caramel topping over the cooled bars. Serve chilled and enjoy the rich blend of cream cheese, apples, and caramel.

Notes

Use Granny Smith apples for the perfect balance of tartness and texture; other apple varieties may alter the taste and consistency.
Allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling caramel to prevent it from melting into the bars.
You can line your baking pan with foil or parchment for easy removal and cleanup.
For a firmer crust, ensure the butter is well incorporated and press it evenly when forming the crust layer.
These bars keep well refrigerated and can be served cold or slightly warmed.
Freezing the bars extends their shelf life; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.