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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- 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.
- 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
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Layer
- In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well coated.
- Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Step 4: Make the Streusel Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
Step 5: Bake the Bars
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.
- 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
- Once the bars are chilled, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang and cut into squares.
- 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