Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
User Reviews
4.5
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Description
These bars start with a firm, buttery crust made by cutting cold butter into a mix of all-purpose flour and brown sugar, baked lightly until golden. Over this, a smooth cheesecake filling made from cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla is poured while the crust is still warm to help it set properly. Freshly chopped Granny Smith apples, tossed with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, are spread atop the filling, contributing a bright, tart contrast.
The streusel topping combines brown sugar, flour, oats, and softened butter, carefully mixed by hand to preserve oat texture and sprinkled evenly over the apples. After baking to set the filling and brown the topping, a caramel sauce is drizzled over the bars for added sweetness. The combination yields layered textures - crisp crust, creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel.
Perfect for slicing into bars for sharing, these bars are suitable for dessert, potlucks, or holiday treats. Cool to room temperature before slicing to maintain their shape. The recipe was adapted from Paula Deen, with an increased cheesecake layer for added richness.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 /2 cup brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 cup butter softened
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese softened
- 3/4 /4 cup sugar
- 3 egg large
- 1 1/2 /2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Apples:
- 3 apple peeled, cored and finely chopped, (about 3 cups, Granny Smith variety
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 /2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 /4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar firmly packed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 /2 cup oats quick cooking
- 1/2 /2 cup butter softened
Drizzle:
- 1/2 /2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or food processor (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan that is greased or lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
- In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.
- For the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture. You can't use a food processor because it will grind up the oats.
- Sprinkle Streusel topping over apples. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Let bars come to room temperature then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen up to 4 months.
- Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
- Press the crust evenly into the pan to ensure a uniform base that bakes consistently.
- Combine the streusel topping with your hands to maintain the oats’ texture; avoid using a food processor.
- Let bars cool completely before slicing to help them hold their shape well.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness in the filling.
- Drizzle the caramel topping after baking for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 24bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1grams |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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