Description
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars blend creamy cheesecake with sweet autumn apples and rich caramel for an irresistible dessert. Layers of buttery graham cracker crust, tangy cream cheese filling, and warm spiced apple topping invite anyone to savor fall’s most delightful flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 packages (8 ounces / 226 grams each) cream cheese, softened
- 3 granny smith apples, peeled and chopped very small
Sugars and Sweeteners:
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Baking and Flavor Ingredients:
- 12 tablespoons cold butter, cubed small
- 5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed small
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup quick oats
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Drizzle of caramel syrup/sauce
Instructions
- Meticulously grease a 9×13 inch (22.86×33.02 centimeters) baking pan and set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine all-purpose flour, rich brown sugar, and softened unsalted butter in a mixing bowl, creating a crumbly, cohesive crust mixture.
- Firmly press the prepared crust into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even, compact layer.
- Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until it turns a light golden brown, then remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating granulated sugar, pure vanilla extract, and eggs.
- Thoroughly mix diced apples with ground cinnamon and a sprinkle of granulated sugar, coating the fruit evenly.
- Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the pre-baked crust, creating a uniform layer.
- Artfully distribute the cinnamon-sugar apple chunks across the cheesecake base.
- Prepare a buttery streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and cold butter, crumbling the mixture to create a textured garnish.
- Generously sprinkle the streusel over the apple-topped cheesecake layer.
- Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the streusel turns golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature.
- Drizzle rich caramel sauce in an elegant pattern across the surface of the baked bars.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours to allow the bars to set and flavors to meld.
- Slice into precise squares and serve chilled for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Freezing these bars preserves their delicious texture and allows you to enjoy them later with minimal effort.
- Caramel drizzle adds a luxurious touch that elevates these bars from ordinary to extraordinary dessert experience.
- Cinnamon sugar apples create a warm, spicy layer that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake base.
- Streusel topping brings a delightful crunch and buttery sweetness to each decadent bite.
- Cream cheese mixture provides a silky smooth foundation that melts in your mouth with each delectable slice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 24
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 90mg