Description
Delight in the rich and creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery crust, smooth cheesecake filling, spiced Granny Smith apples, a crunchy streusel topping, and a luscious caramel drizzle. Perfect for a decadent dessert or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Apples:
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped (about 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the crust and bars.
- Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup softened butter using a pastry blender or two forks until crumbly. Press this mixture evenly into a greased or lined 9×13 baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer at medium speed to beat 3 packages softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the warm crust.
- Add Apples: In a small bowl, combine 3 cups finely chopped Granny Smith apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Spoon evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Make Streusel Topping: In another small bowl, thoroughly combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup quick oats, and 1/2 cup softened butter using clean hands to create a crumbly mixture. Avoid using a food processor to preserve oat texture.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples. Bake the entire dish for 45 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the bars to come to room temperature, then refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze up to 4 months.
- Finish with Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, drizzle 1/2 cup caramel topping over bars. Serve cold and enjoy your decadent dessert.
Notes
- Use firm Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet cheesecake and caramel.
- Press the crust firmly and bake until just browned to prevent sogginess.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth filling and easier mixing.
- Use clean hands to mix streusel topping so oats retain their texture.
- Store bars refrigerated to maintain freshness; freeze for longer storage.
- Drizzle caramel topping right before serving to keep the bars from becoming too sticky.
- Adapted from Paula Deen with an increased cheesecake layer for extra richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
