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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars


  • Author: Marla
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer:

  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Streusel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Drizzle:

  • 1/2 cup store-bought caramel sauce or homemade caramel sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  3. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
  2. Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.

Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
  2. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.

Step 5: Bake the Bars

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
  2. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.

Step 6: Add the Caramel Drizzle and Serve

  1. Once the bars are chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.
  2. Drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Chill Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 340 kcal
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Fat: 19g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g