Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic fall desserts, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are going to be your new favorite treat! Imagine the rich creaminess of cheesecake, paired with the tartness of Granny Smith apples, all topped with a buttery streusel and drizzled with caramel sauce. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for Thanksgiving or just something sweet to enjoy at home, these cheesecake bars bring together everything you love about apple pie and cheesecake in one bite-sized treat.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Here’s a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this dessert, broken down into sections for the crust, cheesecake layer, apples, and streusel topping.

For the Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (240g)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (100g)
• 12 tablespoons cold butter, cubed (170g)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened (454g)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5mL)
• 2 large eggs

For the Cinnamon-Spiced Apples:

• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped small
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25g)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (2.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (0.5g)

For the Streusel Topping:

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (90g)
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (150g)
• 1/2 cup quick oats (45g)
• 5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed (70g)

For the Topping:

• Caramel syrup or sauce, for drizzling

this RECIPE

Essential Kitchen Tools for the Recipe

To make these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, you’ll need the following equipment:

• 9×13 baking pan
• Parchment paper (optional, but recommended)
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Cooling rack

Preparing the Crust for Cheesecake Bars

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup light brown sugar. Add in the 12 tablespoons of cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, forming a firm crust.

Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it’s lightly browned. While the crust is baking, move on to the cheesecake layer.

Creating the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

While the crust is baking, it’s time to prepare the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together 2 packages of cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully combined after each addition.

Once the crust is out of the oven, pour the cheesecake mixture over it and spread it evenly with a spatula. There’s no need to wait for the crust to cool down.

Making the Cinnamon-Spiced Apple Layer

For the apple layer, peel and chop 3 Granny Smith apples into small, uniform pieces. In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Make sure all the apple pieces are evenly coated in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Sprinkle the spiced apples over the cheesecake layer. They’ll add the perfect sweet and tangy balance to the rich cheesecake.

Streusel Topping for the Perfect Crunch

Now comes the finishing touch—the streusel topping. In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup of flour, 3/4 cup light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup quick oats. Add the 5 tablespoons of cold cubed butter, and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix everything together until you get coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples. This layer adds a wonderful crunchy texture that complements the creamy cheesecake and tender apples.

Assembling the Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

With the crust, cheesecake, apples, and streusel in place, it’s time to bake the bars. Place the baking pan back into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F. The edges should be slightly golden and pulled away from the sides of the pan, while the center should be set but not wiggly.

Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. Afterward, drizzle the top with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness.

Baking Instructions and Timing

Here’s a breakdown of the baking times for each layer:

• Crust: 15-18 minutes
• Cheesecake Bars: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour at room temperature, 3 hours in the refrigerator

Make sure to let the bars cool completely and refrigerate them for at least 3 hours before slicing them into bars.

Serving and Presentation Tips for Cheesecake Bars

For a clean presentation, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan before cutting them. Drizzle extra caramel sauce over the bars for a beautiful finishing touch. For an extra indulgent look, you can top each bar with a dollop of whipped cream.

These bars are perfect for fall-themed parties, dessert buffets, or as a special treat at home. Their beautiful layers make them ideal for serving on a platter.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To keep them fresh, layer parchment paper between the bars to prevent them from sticking together.

If you’d like to freeze them, wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Recipe Variations and Swaps

There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to suit your preferences:

• Apples: If you don’t have Granny Smith apples, try using Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter twist.
• Oats: For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats and a gluten-free flour blend.
• Caramel Topping: Add a sprinkle of sea salt to the caramel sauce for a salted caramel version.
• Nuts: Mix in chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel topping for added crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Cheesecake: Be careful not to overmix the cheesecake filling, as this can cause cracks while baking.
2. Skipping the Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. The cheesecake needs time to set, so make sure to chill the bars for at least 3 hours.
3. Using Warm Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is softened, but not too warm, or the cheesecake filling may turn out lumpy.

FAQ

Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, you can use any apple variety you like. Just note that sweeter apples will result in a sweeter filling.

Do I need to chill the bars before serving?
Yes, chilling the bars in the refrigerator for a minimum of 3 hours is essential to help the cheesecake layer set properly.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve them.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fall dessert—rich, creamy, and packed with seasonal flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.

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