Ingredients

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar (streusel topping)

1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour (streusel topping)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (streusel topping)

½ cup (1.75 ounces) quick-cooking oats

½ cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened (streusel topping)

2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour (shortbread base)

½ cup (3.75 ounces) packed brown sugar (shortbread base)

¼ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (shortbread base)

1 cup (2 sticks, 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened (shortbread base)

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

½ cup (3.75 ounces) granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (caramel sauce)

1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar (caramel sauce)

½ cup heavy cream (caramel sauce)

Pinch of salt (caramel sauce)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract (reduce to 1 teaspoon if preferred, caramel sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the shortbread base by whisking together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the baking dish. Bake for 15-18 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and let cool slightly.

Step 3: Toss the chopped apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 4: Beat the cream cheese and sugar in a large mixing bowl until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.

Step 5: Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the cream cheese layer.

Step 6: To make the streusel topping, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and oats in a medium bowl. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.

Step 7: Bake the assembled bars for 40-45 minutes, until the streusel is golden brown and the center is set. Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan.

Step 8: Prepare the caramel sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until boiling. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 9: Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce over the bars before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness.

For a nutty twist, sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on the streusel topping.

If you prefer a thicker caramel sauce, simmer it a bit longer, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Make bars ahead and refrigerate overnight for easier slicing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works well if you want to save time. Just drizzle it over the cooled bars before serving.

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Allowing the shortbread base to bake and cool before adding the cream cheese and apple layers helps keep it firm. Also, avoid using excessively juicy apples or drain any excess liquid from the chopped fruit.