Description

Delight in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery shortbread base, a creamy cheesecake layer, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, crumbly oat streusel topping, and a rich homemade caramel sauce drizzle. Perfect for an indulgent dessert or special occasion treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples:

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar
1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup (1.75 ounces) quick-cooking oats
½ cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

Shortbread Base:

2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour
½ cup (3.75 ounces) packed brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks, 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Layer:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
½ cup (3.75 ounces) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar
½ cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (reduce to 1 teaspoon if preferred)

Instructions

Prepare the Shortbread Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
Make the Apple Layer: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with the sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.
Add the Apple Layer: Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring full coverage for balanced flavor in every bar.
Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and oats. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel mixture evenly over the apple layer.
Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the center is set. Remove from oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan, letting the layers set perfectly.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve: Once the bars have cooled, drizzle the prepared caramel sauce generously over the top before cutting and serving for a decadent finishing touch.

Notes

Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling caramel to prevent melting and sogginess.
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Let caramel sauce cool slightly before drizzling to maintain a thick consistency.
You can prepare the caramel sauce ahead and gently rewarm it. Stir well before serving.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, caramel sauce, streusel topping cheesecake, baked cheesecake bars