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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 87 reviews

Delight in the rich and comforting flavors of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. These decadent bars feature a buttery shortbread base topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, spiced sautéed apples, and a crunchy oat streusel, all drizzled with luscious homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a sweet, tart, and creamy dessert with a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples:

  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

  • 1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup (1.75 ounces) quick-cooking oats
  • ½ cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

Shortbread Base:

  • 2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (3.75 ounces) packed brown sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup (2 sticks, 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Layer:

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (3.75 ounces) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (reduce to 1 teaspoon if preferred)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shortbread Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough forms a cohesive mass. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the base is lightly golden. Once baked, remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
  2. Make the Apple Layer: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped peeled and cored apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss well to coat all the apple pieces evenly. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the next components.
  3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps. Add the eggs, one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and silky.
  4. Assemble Cream Cheese and Apple Layers: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the slightly cooled shortbread base. Next, distribute the apple mixture uniformly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, mix together the packed light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and quick-cooking oats. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumbly streusel topping evenly over the apple layer to create a textured, sweet crust.
  6. Bake the Bars: Place the assembled pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the streusel topping turns golden brown and the center of the bars is set and no longer jiggly. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan to set properly.
  7. Prepare the Caramel Sauce: While the bars are baking or cooling, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the packed light brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  8. Serve: Once the bars are fully cooled, drizzle the homemade caramel sauce generously over the top. Cut into squares and serve to enjoy the rich, creamy, and caramel-apple deliciousness.

Notes

  • For best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain texture instead of baking into a mush.
  • Allow the bars to cool completely before drizzling caramel to prevent it from soaking in and making the crust soggy.
  • You can prepare the caramel sauce in advance and reheat gently before serving.
  • Store leftover bars in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 4 days; warm slightly before serving for optimal taste.
  • To make cutting easier, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about an hour after cooling.

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, cheesecake bars, caramel sauce dessert, fall dessert recipes, apple streusel bars

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe/