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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 6 reviews

Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and are topped with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet oat streusel. Finished with a drizzle of caramel, these bars offer the perfect blend of tart, sweet, and creamy flavors, ideal for autumn gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Apples:

  • 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened

Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to prepare for baking the crust and cheese bars.
  2. Prepare Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup softened butter with a pastry blender, food processor, or two forks until the mixture is crumbly. Press the shortbread crust evenly into a greased or foil/parchment-lined 9×13 baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned, then remove from oven.
  3. Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat 3 packages cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the warm baked crust.
  4. Prepare Apples: In a small bowl, combine 3 cups finely chopped Granny Smith apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Mix well and spoon evenly over the cheesecake filling.
  5. Make Streusel Topping: In another small bowl, thoroughly combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup quick oats, and 1/2 cup softened butter using clean hands to achieve a crumbly texture. Avoid using a food processor to preserve oat texture. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apples layer.
  6. Bake Bars: Place the assembled bars in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the cheesecake filling is set and the streusel turns golden brown.
  7. Cool and Drizzle: Allow the bars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, drizzle 1/2 cup caramel topping over the bars for a rich finish.
  8. Store: Refrigerate the bars for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 4 months. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For easier cutting and serving, chill bars thoroughly before slicing.
  • You can substitute Granny Smith apples with tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a different flavor profile.
  • Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
  • Use parchment paper to line your baking dish for easier removal and cleanup.
  • The streusel topping should be mixed by hand to maintain the oats’ texture.
  • Drizzle caramel topping just before serving to keep it from soaking into the bars.

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