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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.3 from 12 reviews

  • Author: Eliza
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
  • Yield: 24 bars

Description

Delight in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery crumb crust, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced tart apples, and a crumbly oat topping, all drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting dessert with a balance of tangy apples and sweet caramel.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¾ cup cold butter (12 tablespoons), cubed

Cheesecake Layer

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten

Apple Layer

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

Topping

  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup quick-cooking oats
  • ⅓ cup butter (5 ⅓ tablespoons), cubed

Additional

  • ⅓ cup caramel syrup (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175℃). In a small bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and ½ cup brown sugar. Cut in the ¾ cup cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the bottom of a well-greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Bake this crust for 15-18 minutes until it is lightly browned and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Make the Cheesecake Layer: While the crust bakes, in a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, ½ cup sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy using an electric mixer. Add the lightly beaten eggs and beat on low speed just until combined. Spread this creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the baked crust.
  3. Add the Apple Layer: In a separate small bowl, toss the finely chopped tart apples with ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar to evenly coat the fruit with spice and sweetness. Spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, distributing it evenly.
  4. Prepare the Topping: In another bowl, mix together ¾ cup flour, ¾ cup packed brown sugar, and ½ cup quick-cooking oats. Cut in the ⅓ cup cold butter until the topping mixture is crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the apple layer.
  5. Bake the Bars: Return the assembled pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the topping is golden. Remove from the oven and drizzle the warm bars with the ⅓ cup caramel syrup. Allow the dessert to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour.
  6. Chill and Serve: After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to fully set. These bars can be served chilled with or without additional caramel sauce drizzled on top prior to serving. Once chilled, cut into 24 bars and enjoy.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
  • Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness—feel free to adjust apple variety to preference.
  • The bars can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for best flavor and texture.
  • Caramel drizzle is optional; you can serve bars plain or with warm caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to cut clean bars without sticking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipekind.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe/