Description

These Caramel Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crumbly crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, tender cinnamon-spiced apple chunks, and a crunchy streusel topping, all drizzled with rich salted caramel sauce. Perfect as a decadent dessert or sweet snack, these bars offer the perfect balance of tart, sweet, and creamy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

2 cups flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter

Cheesecake Filling

2 blocks cream cheese, softened (16 oz total)
1/2 cup sugar (plus 2 tablespoons, divided)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Topping

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cubed into a medium dice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons sugar (from divided sugar amount)

Streusel Topping

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup butter, softened

Finishing

1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

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Instructions

Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). In a medium bowl, mix together the 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup of unsalted butter using a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly and holds together when pressed. Press this mixture evenly into a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil to form the crust. Bake this crust for 15 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
Make the cheesecake filling: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Pour this cheesecake batter evenly over the warm crust while it’s still in the pan.
Prepare apple topping: In a small bowl, combine the peeled and cubed Granny Smith apples with the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Toss gently to coat the apples evenly. Spoon this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake filling.
Make streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats, and 1/4 cup softened butter. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apples and cheesecake layer.
Bake the assembled bars: Bake the entire pan in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is golden brown.
Add caramel finishing touch: Once baked and slightly cooled, drizzle 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce evenly over the top of the bars to enhance the flavor and add extra sweetness.
Cool and serve: Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours for best slicing. Cut into 16 squares and serve chilled or at room temperature for a rich, satisfying dessert.

Notes

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping… say that 10 times fast and then start baking these immediately!
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
Use Granny Smith apples for a tart contrast to the sweet caramel.
Line the baking pan with aluminum foil to make it easier to lift out the entire cheesecake for cutting.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For an extra festive touch, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 322 kcal
Sugar: 27 g
Sodium: 61 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 59 mg