Introduction

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the comforting flavors of spiced apples, creamy cheesecake, and buttery shortbread with a crunchy streusel topping. These bars make a perfect treat for any occasion, delivering a delicious twist on classic apple dessert.

The image shows six square dessert bars arranged in two rows on a wooden board, each bar having three layers: a light beige crumbly base, a thick white creamy middle layer, and a golden caramel layer topped with a rough crumbly brown topping. The caramel layer looks smooth and slightly shiny, dripping down the sides of some bars. The crumbly topping appears dense with small granules, adding texture contrast, and the wooden board is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus 1 teaspoon for other layers)
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar (streusel topping)
1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour (streusel topping)
½ cup (1.75 ounces) quick-cooking oats
½ cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened (streusel topping)
2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour (shortbread base)
½ cup (3.75 ounces) packed brown sugar (shortbread base)
¼ teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks, 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened (shortbread base)
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
½ cup (3.75 ounces) granulated sugar (cream cheese layer)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (cream cheese layer)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter (caramel sauce)
1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar (caramel sauce)
½ cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt (caramel sauce)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (caramel sauce; reduce to 1 teaspoon if preferred)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the shortbread base by whisking together 2 cups flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon. Add 1 cup softened butter and mix until a dough forms. Press evenly into the baking dish and bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool slightly.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 4: Beat cream cheese and ½ cup granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla, mixing until fully combined. Spread evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.
Step 5: Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 6: For the streusel topping, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and oats in a bowl. Cut in ½ cup softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
Step 7: Bake the bars for 40-45 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the center is set. Remove and cool completely in the pan.
Step 8: To make caramel sauce, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir until boiling, then simmer 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Step 9: Drizzle cooled caramel sauce over the bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweet caramel and cream cheese layers.
For extra texture, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the streusel topping.
If you prefer a thicker caramel, simmer it a bit longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual bars briefly in the microwave for a warm treat, or serve cold for a firmer texture. Caramel sauce can be stored separately in the fridge and gently reheated before drizzling.

How to Serve

The image shows six square dessert bars arranged in two rows of three on a dark wooden board. Each bar has three visible layers: a light brown crumbly base, a thick middle layer of creamy white filling, and a glossy golden caramel layer on top that drips slightly down the sides. The top layer is covered with a crumbly streusel topping in a mix of light and medium browns, creating a rough texture. The caramel glaze creates a shiny, sticky look between the layers and around the bars. The wooden board rests on a white marbled texture surface with a soft, blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples work best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture before mixing with sugar and spices to avoid a soggy layer.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Ensure oats are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.