Description
Delight in these Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery crumb crust topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, spiced chopped apples, and a crunchy oat streusel, finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfectly balanced with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, these bars are a decadent treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
Apple Layer
- 3 medium tart apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons sugar (from the divided sugar)
Streusel Topping
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
Finishing
- 1/3 cup hot caramel ice cream topping
Instructions
- Make the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 3/4 cup cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan and press this mixture firmly and evenly on the bottom. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the crust turns light brown.
- Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add the lightly beaten eggs, mixing on low speed until just combined. Spread this creamy filling evenly over the baked crust.
- Assemble the apple layer and streusel topping: In a small bowl, toss the finely chopped apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar to coat them evenly. Spoon the apple mixture over the cream cheese layer. For the streusel, mix 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup brown sugar, and oats in another small bowl. Cut in 1/3 cup cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake the bars and add caramel topping: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheesecake filling is set and the streusel topping is golden. Remove from oven and drizzle the warm caramel ice cream topping over the hot streusel layer. Allow bars to cool in the pan on a wire rack for one hour.
- Chill and serve: Once cooled, refrigerate the bars for at least two hours to fully set. Cut into approximately 3 dozen bars before serving to enjoy the perfect combination of cheesecake, apple, and caramel flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chilling the bars before cutting helps achieve clean, neat slices.
- The caramel topping can be substituted with homemade caramel sauce for a fresher taste.
- Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so check the cheesecake filling for firmness before removing.