Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
User Reviews
4.6
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Description
This layered dessert starts with a shortbread crust made from flour, brown sugar, and cold butter, baked until lightly browned. The cheesecake layer is made by beating softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then gently folding in beaten eggs for a smooth mixture. Chopped peeled apples tossed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar add a tart, spiced fruitiness to the cheesecake layer.
Once the crust is partially baked, the apple-cheesecake mixture is spread evenly over it, then topped with a streusel made of flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter cut into crumbs. The bars bake until the cheesecake is set and the topping is golden and crumbly. After cooling and chilling, the bars are drizzled with caramel ice cream topping for added richness.
The bars offer a combination of soft, creamy, and crunchy textures with flavors ranging from tart apple and cream cheese to buttery crust and sweet caramel. They are suited for make-ahead dessert needs and can be cut into squares for easy serving.
For best results, prepare them a day in advance and keep refrigerated. Cover leftover bars tightly and consume within two to three days for freshness.
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 3/4 cup butter cubed, cold
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages cream cheese 8 oz each, softened
- 1/2 cup white sugar divided, plus 2 tablespoons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 egg lightly beaten, large
- 3 apple peeled and finely chopped, medium tart
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 2 Tablespoons white sugar
- 1/2 cup oats quick-cooking
- 1/3 cup butter cubed, cold
Topping
- 1/3 cup caramel ice cream topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Grease a 13x9 inch pan. Set aside.
Crust
- Combine flour and brown sugar in small mixing bowl. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Press into prepared baking pan. Bake 15-18 minutes or until crust is just beginning to brown.
Apple Cheesecake
- While crust is baking, beat cream cheese, 1/2 c. sugar and vanilla in large bowl, until mixture is smooth. Add eggs, beat on low speed until just combined. Spread mixture over crust.
- Toss apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and remaining 2 Tablespoons sugar in a small bowl. Spoon apple mixture over cream cheese layer.
Streusel
- In a separate mixing bowl combine flour, sugars and oats. Cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over apple layer.
- Baked for 25-30 minutes or until filling is set. Remove from oven. Cool bars in pan for 1 hour. Refrigerate bars for at least two hours. Drizzle with caramel topping. Cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- The bars can be baked a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until serving time.
- Keep leftovers covered and refrigerated; they maintain best quality for two to three days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 20Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 343 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 343kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 68mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 185mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 117mg | 2% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 23g | 46% |
| Vitamin A | 654IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 47mg | 5% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.6
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