How ‘Bout Them Apples? Delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Get ready to go bananas—er, apples—for these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars! If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s the applesolute best, look no further. With a brown sugar crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apple goodness, and a streusel topping, these bars are sure to make you feel orchard-nary. They’re so good, you’ll be tempted to keep them all to yourself! Let’s grab life by the apples and bake up a treat that’s guaranteed to make everyone crumble with joy.
Why these bars are so amazing:
- All of the taste of a caramel apple pie, but layered with cheesecake! What’s not to love?
- Super easy fall and winter dessert that’s great for parties, gatherings, potlucks, or even holidays.
- Can be made ahead of time – saving you time and stress.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 30 minutes / Bake time: 60 – 70 minutes
Chill time: 5-6 hours
Servings: 15-18
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cups flour
For the cheesecake filling
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
For the apple layer
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- 3 cups Granny Smith apples – peeled and finely diced
For the streusel topping
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup quick oats
- Caramel sauce, to serve
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 13×9 baking dish with parchment and set aside.
For the crust
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, brown sugar and softened butter. Mix until combined and crumbly.
Press the crust into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 14-16 minutes or until just beginning to brown.
While the crust bakes, make the cheesecake filling:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the cream cheese until smooth – about a minute.
Add in the sugar and cream until combined, scraping the sides often.
Add in the eggs and vanilla. Mix until thoroughly combined, scraping the sides as needed.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooked crust and set aside.
For the apple layer:
In a large bowl, combine the diced apples with the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Toss to combine.
Sprinkle the seasoned apples over the cheesecake filling. Set aside.
For the streusel topping:
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour and oats. Mix until combined and crumbly.
Sprinkle the topping over the cheesecake filling and apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and just a little jiggly.
Allow to cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for about 4 hours to set completely.
Cut into bars. Drizzle with caramel sauce to serve.
Storage: Cheesecake bars should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of apple instead of Granny Smith?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can use other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
Do I need to peel the apples before using them?
Yes, for the best texture, it’s recommended to peel the apples before slicing and adding them to the bars.
Can I make these bars ahead of time?
Definitely! These bars actually taste even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours or overnight, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert.
How should I store leftover bars?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I make my own caramel sauce?
Yep! Store-bought caramel sauce is a quick and easy option, but homemade caramel will add an extra special touch if you have the time.
