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