Description
Delight in these rich and creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, spiced apple layer, crisp oat streusel topping, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting, indulgent dessert with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the apple layer:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
For the caramel drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the bars out later.
- Prepare and bake the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven to cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract to complete the filling.
- Assemble cheesecake layer: Pour the cheesecake filling over the hot crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover the surface.
- Prepare the apple layer: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with light brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Scatter the spiced apple pieces evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Make the streusel topping: Mix flour, light brown sugar, and quick-cooking oats in a bowl. Cut in the softened butter with a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake the bars: Place the assembled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the cheesecake filling is set.
- Cool and chill: Remove the bars from the oven and allow to cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set the cheesecake.
- Slice the bars: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan carefully. Place on a cutting board and slice into squares to serve.
- Add caramel drizzle: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the cheesecake bars just before serving for an extra sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Peeling the apples helps create a smoother texture and prevents browning.
- Quick-cooking oats add a nice texture to the streusel; regular oats can be used but will yield a chewier topping.
- Make sure to fully chill the bars after baking for cleaner slices and better flavor development.
- Store leftover bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
