Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery shortbread base with a creamy cheesecake layer, topped with spiced apples and a crunchy streusel topping, all drizzled with a rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect as a decadent dessert for fall or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples:

3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar
1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ cup (1.75 ounces) quick-cooking oats
½ cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

Shortbread Base:

2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour
½ cup (3.75 ounces) packed brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup (2 sticks, 8 ounces) unsalted butter, softened

Cream Cheese Layer:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
½ cup (3.75 ounces) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar
½ cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract (reduce to 1 teaspoon if preferred)

Instructions

Prepare the Shortbread Base: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix until the dough forms. Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking dish, then bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool slightly.
Make the Apple Layer: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.
Add the Apple Layer: Distribute the prepared apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer to form the fruit layer.
Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and oats. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the filling is set in the center. Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the light brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve: Once the bars are fully cooled, drizzle the homemade caramel sauce generously over the top before cutting and serving.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
Ensure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
Allow the bars to cool completely before adding caramel sauce to avoid melting and soaking the topping.
Store leftover bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
For a firmer caramel, reduce heavy cream to ¼ cup.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, caramel apple dessert, cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, caramel sauce dessert