Description
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the classic flavors of caramel apples and creamy cheesecake in a layered dessert with a buttery crust, cinnamon-spiced apples, streusel topping, and a rich caramel drizzle.
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the apple layer:
- 2 apples, peeled and chopped
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- For the finishing touch:
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix crust ingredients: flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Press into the bottom of the baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the crust.
- In a separate bowl, toss chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Mix streusel topping ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into bars.
- Before serving, drizzle with caramel sauce. Enjoy chilled or slightly warmed.
Notes
- Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
- Swap apples for pears or use a gingersnap crust for a spiced twist.
- Sprinkle sea salt over caramel for a salted caramel version.
- Bars freeze well for up to 2 months—wrap tightly before freezing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
