Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Introduction
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust with a creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping. Finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce, they make a perfect dessert for any season.
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, room temperature (2 8 oz packages)
- ½ cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups (339g) apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 cup (120g) all purpose flour (for streusel)
- 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 or homemade, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper. For best results, butter the pan first to help the parchment stick.
- Step 2: Make the shortbread crust by combining 1 3/4 cups flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and 3/4 cup room temperature butter in a mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to blend until very crumbly.
- Step 3: With damp hands, press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges start to brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Step 4: Prepare the cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth, about 60-90 seconds. Add eggs and beat for another 30-60 seconds. Set aside.
- Step 5: In a bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 Tbsp brown sugar, ½ tsp cinnamon, and ¼ tsp nutmeg. Set aside.
- Step 6: For the streusel topping, mix together 1 cup flour, oats, ⅔ cup brown sugar, 1½ tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp salt, and melted butter in a bowl. Stir with a spatula until combined and wet, then use your hands to form clumps. Set aside.
- Step 7: Pour the cooled crust’s surface evenly with the cheesecake batter. Spread the spiced apples evenly over the cheesecake layer, then sprinkle the streusel topping on top.
- Step 8: Bake the assembled bars for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set. Allow to cool to room temperature before slicing.
- Step 9: To serve, drizzle with caramel sauce. For clean slices, wipe your knife between cuts.
Tips & Variations
- Butter the pan before adding parchment paper to keep it in place during assembly.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice contrast to the sweet layers.
- Make your own caramel sauce or choose a high-quality store-bought brand for best flavor.
- For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping.
Storage
Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They reheat well at room temperature or can be warmed slightly in the microwave. Always drizzle with fresh caramel sauce before serving if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and bake the bars a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated and add caramel sauce just before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, freeze the cooled bars wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Add caramel sauce after thawing.
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Delight in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery shortbread crust, smooth cream cheese layer, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping, all drizzled with rich caramel sauce for the perfect autumn-inspired 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) peeled, cored, and diced apples
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Streusel Topping
- 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)
Additional
- Caramel sauce (store bought), for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Shortbread Crust: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and butter a 9×13 inch pan before lining it with parchment paper to ensure it sticks well. In a mixing bowl, combine the all purpose flour, brown sugar, salt, and room temperature butter using an electric mixer. The crust mixture will be very crumbly—this is expected. Use damp hands to press the crust evenly into the pan, then bake for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Remove and let cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth, about 60-90 seconds. Add the eggs and continue mixing for another 30-60 seconds until fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Prepare the Apple Layer: Peel, core, and dice enough apples to measure 3 cups. In a separate bowl, combine the apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well and set aside.
- Make the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter using a spatula. Stir vigorously until the mixture is thick and slightly wet. It’s okay if the texture is sandy. Use your hands to clump the mixture together. Set aside.
- Assemble the Bars: After the shortbread crust has cooled for about 10 minutes, spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over it. Next, layer the cinnamon-spiced apples on top of the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel topping is golden. Remove from the oven and allow bars to cool to room temperature.
- Serve: Once cooled, cut into bars using a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between cuts for neat slices. Drizzle generously with caramel sauce before serving. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Butter the pan before adding parchment paper to prevent slipping.
- The shortbread crust will be crumbly but presses firmly when using damp hands.
- Use crisp, tart apples for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Wipe your knife clean between cuts to achieve clean bar lines.
- Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, apple bars, caramel cheesecake dessert, autumn dessert, shortbread crust cheesecake bars
