Description
Delight in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust, a creamy cheesecake filling layered with spiced Granny Smith apples, and topped with a crunchy streusel finish. Finished with a generous drizzle of caramel, these bars combine fruity tartness and rich creaminess in every bite, perfect for a festive dessert or satisfying snack.
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
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup softened butter using a pastry blender, food processor or two forks until mixture is crumbly. Press this evenly into a greased or lined 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat 3 packages softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar at medium speed until smooth. Add 3 eggs one at a time and 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, mixing to combine. Pour this mixture over the warm crust evenly.
- Prepare the Apples: In a small bowl, mix together chopped 3 Granny Smith apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup quick cooking oats, and 1/2 cup softened butter using clean hands to achieve the proper crumbly texture; avoid using a food processor to keep oats intact. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the streusel topping is golden. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool to room temperature.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel topping over the cooled bars. Chill in the refrigerator before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling.
- Do not use a food processor for the streusel to avoid crushing the oats.
- Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet cheesecake and caramel.
- Bars can be made ahead and stored refrigerated or frozen for convenience.
- For easier slicing, refrigerate bars until fully chilled.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
