Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and a crumbly streusel topping. Finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce, they make a deliciously rich treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all purpose flour
- ½ cup (107g) brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter (room temperature, 1 ½ sticks)
- 16 oz (452g) cream cheese (2 8 oz packages, room temperature)
- ½ cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups (339g) apples
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup (120g) all purpose flour
- ½ cup (45g) quick cooking oats
- ⅔ cup (142g) brown sugar
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter (melted, 1 stick)
- Caramel sauce (store-bought recommended)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. For easier parchment handling, butter the pan lightly before placing the parchment.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and room temperature butter for the shortbread crust. Use an electric mixer to mix; the dough will be very crumbly, which is normal.
- Step 3: With damp hands, press the crust evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.
- Step 4: For the cheesecake layer, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth, about 60-90 seconds. Add eggs and continue beating for 30-60 seconds. Set aside.
- Step 5: Peel, core, and dice apples to make 3 cups. In a bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Step 6: To make the streusel topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir vigorously until the mixture is wet and crumbly, using your hands to press clumps together. Set aside.
- Step 7: After the crust has cooled about 10 minutes, pour the cheesecake mixture over it and spread evenly. Layer the spiced apples on top, then sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- Step 8: Bake for 30-40 minutes until the cheesecake layer is set. Remove from oven and allow bars to cool to room temperature.
- Step 9: Once cool, cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately. When ready to serve, cut bars with a sharp knife (wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices) and drizzle with caramel sauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet layers.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the apple mixture.
- Homemade caramel sauce can be used for a fresh, richer taste.
- Make sure cream cheese is room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Storage
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat briefly at room temperature or enjoy cold. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of fruit instead of apples?
Yes, pears or peaches work well as substitutes. Adjust the spices accordingly to complement the fruit.
Do I have to use store-bought caramel sauce?
No, you can make your own caramel sauce at home or omit it entirely if you prefer a less sweet topping.
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delightfully rich and tender Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topping. Finished with a drizzle of luscious caramel sauce, these bars are perfect for dessert or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Shortbread Crust
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) all purpose flour
- ½ cup (107g) brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature (1 ½ sticks)
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz (452g) cream cheese (2 8 oz packages), room temperature
- ½ cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Apple Layer
- 3 cups (339g) apples, peeled, cored, diced
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Streusel Layer
- 1 cup (120g) all purpose flour
- ½ cup (45g) quick cooking oats
- ⅔ cup (142g) brown sugar
- 1½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted (1 stick)
Finishing
- Caramel Sauce (store bought or homemade), for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, buttering the pan first to help the parchment stick. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, salt, and room temperature butter using an electric mixer. The mixture will be crumbly – this is expected. Use damp hands to firmly press the crust into the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges just start to brown. Remove and allow to cool while preparing other layers.
- Make Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy (about 60-90 seconds). Add eggs and beat until fully incorporated (30-60 seconds). Set aside.
- Prepare Apple Layer: Peel, core, and dice apples to make 3 cups. In a bowl, toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg evenly. Set aside.
- Prepare Streusel Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir vigorously until mixture is wet and crumbly. Use your hands to squeeze and form clumps. Set aside.
- Assemble Bars: Once shortbread crust has cooled for approximately 10 minutes, pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread into an even layer. Distribute the apple layer evenly over the cheesecake. Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake assembled bars at 350ºF for 30-40 minutes until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel is golden. Remove from oven and let bars cool completely to room temperature.
- Serve: When cooled, cut bars using a sharp knife, wiping knife clean between cuts for neat slices. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce before serving. Bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Butter the baking pan before laying down parchment paper to keep it securely in place.
- Use room temperature butter and cream cheese for smoother mixtures.
- Dampening your hands when pressing the crust helps it bind better.
- Wiping your knife between cuts helps maintain clean, precise slices.
- Store leftover bars refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.
- Feel free to use homemade caramel sauce or your favorite store-bought brand.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-65 minutes
- Category: Dessert – Bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, caramel apple bars, easy fall desserts, streusel topping cheesecake
