Print

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 13 reviews

Delight in these rich and creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery crust, spiced apple layer, crumbly streusel topping, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall or any time you want a comforting dessert with the flavors of apple pie and cheesecake combined.

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup butter, softened

For the cheesecake layer:

  • 12 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste

For the apple layer:

  • 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground allspice

For the streusel topping:

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup quick cooking oats
  • ¼ cup butter, softened

For the caramel drizzle:

  • ¼ cup caramel topping for drizzling after baking

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars.
  2. Make the crust: In a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Pulse a few times to blend. Add softened butter and pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the lined pan to form an even crust.
  3. Bake the crust: Bake the crust for about 15 minutes until it is lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside.
  4. Prepare the cheesecake layer: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla bean paste until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
  5. Assemble cheesecake layer: Spread the smooth cheesecake filling evenly over the warm crust to create a uniform layer.
  6. Prepare the apple layer: Toss the peeled, cored, and finely chopped Granny Smith apples with sugar, cinnamon, and allspice until the apples are well coated. Sprinkle this spiced apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  7. Make the streusel topping: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, all-purpose flour, quick cooking oats, and softened butter. Mix until crumbly and evenly combined.
  8. Add streusel topping: Scatter the streusel mixture evenly over the apple layer to form a crumbly top.
  9. Bake the assembled bars: Bake the entire pan for 35–40 minutes, until the streusel topping is golden and the cheesecake layer is set in the center.
  10. Cool and drizzle with caramel: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly. Once cooled, drizzle the caramel topping evenly over the bars before cutting them into squares and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
  • Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor that balances the sweetness; you can substitute with other firm tart apples if desired.
  • The bars must cool completely before drizzling with caramel to prevent the caramel from melting and running off.
  • This recipe can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • For easier removal, leave an overhang when lining the pan with parchment paper.

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