Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: A Perfect Blend of Fall Flavors

If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the crispness of fall apples with the creamy richness of cheesecake, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are just what you need. With a buttery crust, a smooth cheesecake layer, cinnamon-sugar coated apples, and a crunchy streusel topping, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce, this treat is sure to be a hit at any gathering. These bars are a perfect make-ahead dessert, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of a caramel apple pie and cheesecake in every bite.

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 12 tablespoons cold butter, cubed small

Cheesecake

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

Apples

• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped very small
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup quick oats
• 5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed small

Caramel Syrup/Sauce

• Drizzle of caramel syrup/sauce

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper, then spraying the parchment paper. Set the pan aside.

2. Make the Crust

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press the crust mixture firmly into the prepared baking pan. Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes, or until it is lightly browned.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

While the crust is baking, prepare the cheesecake layer. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs. Beat the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Apples

In a small bowl, mix together the peeled and chopped apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the apples are evenly coated with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

5. Assemble the Bars

Once the crust is baked, pour the cheesecake mixture over the hot crust and spread it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar-coated apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.

6. Make the Streusel Topping

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix the ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples.

7. Bake the Bars

Bake the assembled bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly pulled away from the pan, and the middle is soft set but not wiggly (which would indicate raw batter).

8. Cool and Add Caramel

Remove the baking pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. While the bars are cooling, drizzle caramel sauce over the top. Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for 1 hour.

9. Chill and Serve

After the bars have cooled, cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Once chilled, cut the bars into squares and serve. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.

Serving Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
• Calories: 320 kcal per bar
• Servings: 24 bars

Tips for Perfect Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

• Use Granny Smith Apples: The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel perfectly.
• Chill Before Slicing: Make sure the bars are fully chilled before slicing to ensure clean, sharp cuts.
• Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Conclusion

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fall dessert, combining the best of a caramel apple pie and a creamy cheesecake. They’re easy to make, transport well, and are perfect for sharing with family and friends. Whether you’re making them for a holiday gathering or just to enjoy a sweet treat at home, these bars are sure to impress!

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