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Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Lea
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (+ 2 hours refrigeration)
  • Yield: 3 dozen bars

Description

Delight in these luscious Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars, featuring a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crunchy oat streusel topping drizzled with rich caramel sauce. Perfect for dessert lovers who crave a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Crust:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Apple Layer:

  • 3 medium tart apples, peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (part of the divided sugar)

Streusel Topping:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
  • 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed

Additional:

  • 1/3 cup hot caramel ice cream topping

Instructions

  1. Make the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar. Cut in 3/4 cup cold cubed butter with a pastry cutter or two knives until the mixture becomes crumbly. Grease a 13x9-inch baking pan, then press the crust mixture firmly and evenly across the bottom.
  2. Bake the crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Slowly add the lightly beaten eggs, mixing on low speed just until incorporated.
  4. Assemble the filling: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust.
  5. Make the apple layer and toss with spices: In a separate small bowl, toss the peeled and finely chopped tart apples with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 2 tablespoons sugar to coat evenly. Spoon this spiced apple mixture over the cream cheese layer.
  6. Prepare the streusel topping: In another small bowl, mix 3/4 cup flour, 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats. Cut in 1/3 cup cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel topping over the apple layer.
  7. Bake the bars: Return the assembled pan to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set and the streusel is golden.
  8. Finish with caramel topping and chill: Once baked, immediately drizzle 1/3 cup hot caramel ice cream topping over the streusel layer. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack for one hour, then refrigerate for at least two hours before cutting into bars.

Notes

  • Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness and keeps the flavor bright.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth filling without lumps.
  • Press the crust firmly for an even base that holds up well when sliced.
  • Refrigeration is crucial for the cheesecake filling to set and slice cleanly.
  • Optional: For extra texture, add chopped nuts to the streusel topping.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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