Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a spiced apple layer topped with a crunchy streusel and drizzled with luscious caramel. Perfect for fall desserts or any occasion craving a deliciously rich and fruity treat.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Apples:
- 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
Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F to prepare for baking the bars.
- Prepare 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 or food processor until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into a greased or lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat 3 packages of cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar using an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then add 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract and stir to combine. Pour this mixture over the warm crust.
- Prepare Apples: In a small bowl, combine 3 cups finely chopped Granny Smith apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Spread evenly over the cheesecake filling.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup quick oats, and 1/2 cup softened butter. Use clean hands to thoroughly mix the butter in until crumbly (avoid the food processor to keep oats intact). Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- Bake Bars: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cheesecake filling is set. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
- Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel topping over the bars. Chill in the refrigerator and serve cold. Enjoy your homemade caramel apple cheesecake bars!
Notes
- These bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the bars for up to 4 months; thaw before serving.
- For best results, use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture.
- Do not use a food processor for the streusel topping to keep oats from grinding too finely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
