Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery flour and brown sugar crust topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, fresh chopped apples spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and a crumbly streusel topping. A caramel drizzle finished after baking adds an extra layer of sweetness. These bars combine tender textures and layered flavors suitable for fall or dessert occasions.
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
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 24 bars
Amount Per Serving
Calories
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1grams |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.