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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for cozy fall days, special occasions, or any time of year you crave a blend of tart apples, creamy cheesecake, and crumbly streusel with a caramel drizzle! With layers of buttery shortbread, cinnamon-kissed apples, and a creamy cheesecake filling, this dessert is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make!

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 24 bars
Calories: 327 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Shortbread Base
  • 2 cups (282g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) salted butter softened
Cheesecake Filling
  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese softened
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Apple Filling
  • 3 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and diced
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping
  • 1 ½ cups (212g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (113g) salted butter softened
Caramel Sauce
  • 4 Tablespoons salted butter
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or spray with baking spray.
  2. Combine flour, brown sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Use a pastry cutter to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the prepared 9x13-inch pan. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned just around the edges.
  3. Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla extract, mixing on low speed and stopping to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl. Pour over the warm shortbread crust and spread into an even layer.
  4. Stir together the chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in another bowl. Spoon over the cheesecake layer.
  5. Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Use a pastry cutter to cut in the butter. Sprinkle the streusel topping over the apple filling.
  6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or just until the filling is set. Cool for 2-3 hours at room temperature before transferring to the fridge to chill for 4 hours or overnight.
  7. Combine the butter, sugar, cream, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes while stirring almost constantly until thickened slightly. Stir in vanilla extract, then remove from heat and cool before drizzling over the finished bars. This can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to use. Reheat in a microwave until runny enough to pour before using.
  8. Cut into bars then drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Storage & Make Ahead
  • Store: Keep these bars fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container to freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Enjoy them cold, or microwave briefly for a slightly warmer dessert.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare these bars a day or two in advance—the flavors will be even better!

Nutrition Information

Calories 327kcal (16%) Carbohydrates 44g (15%) Protein 3g (6%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 4g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 55mg (18%) Sodium 142mg (6%) Potassium 82mg (2%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 29g (58%) Vitamin A 519IU (10%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 27mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 24bars

Amount Per Serving

Calories 327

% Daily Value*

Calories 327kcal 16%
Carbohydrates 44g 15%
Protein 3g 6%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 4g 20%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 55mg 18%
Sodium 142mg 6%
Potassium 82mg 2%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 29g 58%
Vitamin A 519IU 10%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 27mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.