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Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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These Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crumb crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple layer, and a crunchy streusel topping drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfectly balanced with tart apples and warm spices, these bars offer a delightful dessert that’s ideal for gatherings or a sweet treat anytime.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Apple Layer

  • 3 medium tart apples, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (from the divided sugar)

Streusel Topping

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed

Topping

  • 1/3 cup hot caramel ice cream topping

Instructions

  1. Make the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar, then cut in 3/4 cup cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan, then press this crust mixture evenly across the bottom. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust is lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside.
  2. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the lightly beaten eggs and mix on low speed just until combined. Spread this cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust.
  3. Add the apple layer: In a separate small bowl, toss the chopped peeled apples with 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar to coat the apples evenly. Spoon this mixture over the cheesecake layer.
  4. Prepare the streusel topping: In another small bowl, combine 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats. Cut in 1/3 cup cold butter until the topping is crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the apple layer.
  5. Bake the bars: Place the assembled pan in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the streusel topping is golden and crisp.
  6. Finish and cool: Remove the bars from the oven and drizzle the 1/3 cup hot caramel ice cream topping over the streusel layer while warm. Allow the bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for one hour, then refrigerate for at least two hours to set properly.
  7. Serve: Once chilled, cut into approximately 3 dozen individual bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of flavor and texture.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
  • You can substitute caramel ice cream topping with homemade caramel sauce if preferred.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Allowing the bars to chill thoroughly helps them set and improves slicing.

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