Caramel Apple Cheese Cake Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, tender apples, and a buttery crumb topping. Finished with a drizzle of caramel, they make a delightful treat for any occasion, especially during the cozy fall season.

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 Golden Delicious apples
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar (divided)
• 2 sticks (1 cup) cold butter
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 jar caramel topping
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar (for crumb topping)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for crumb topping)
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold butter (for crumb topping)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 2 sticks cold butter with a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Press this evenly into a 13×9-inch pan or a cookie sheet with edges. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the warm crust.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. Spoon this apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4. Step 4: Prepare the crumb topping by mixing 1 cup flour, 1 cup brown sugar, and 1/2 cup oats in another small bowl. Cut in 1 stick cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this crumb topping over the layered bars.
5. Step 5: Bake the bars for 30 minutes or until the filling is set. Remove from the oven and drizzle with caramel topping. Allow to cool, then refrigerate before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tarter flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet caramel and cream cheese.
• For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, over the crumb topping before baking.
• If you prefer a spiced touch, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crumb topping mixture.

Storage

Store these cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They can be reheated briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired, but they’re delicious served cold as well.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute Golden Delicious apples with varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp, depending on your flavor preference. Tart apples like Granny Smith offer a nice balance to the sweetness.

Is it necessary to bake the crust before adding the filling?

Baking the crust first ensures it becomes firm and slightly crisp, which helps support the creamy filling and prevents sogginess. It’s recommended to follow this step for the best texture.

Caramel Apple Cheese Cake Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

• Author: Andria
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, tender apple slices, and rich caramel in these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. A buttery crust is topped with a smooth cream cheese layer, spiced apples, and a crunchy oat crumble, then finished with a luscious caramel drizzle. Ideal for fall gatherings or holiday treats, these bars offer a comforting and indulgent dessert experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 2 sticks (1 cup) cold butter

Filling

• 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 Golden Delicious apples, chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Crumb Topping

• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) cold butter, cubed

Finishing

• 1 jar caramel topping

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine 1 cup flour and 1 cup brown sugar. Cut in 2 sticks cold butter using a pastry blender until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this evenly into a 13×9 inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned, then remove from oven.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract until combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the warm crust.
4. Add Apples: In a small bowl, mix chopped apples with 2 tablespoons sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Evenly spoon the apple mixture over the cream cheese layer.
5. Prepare Crumb Topping: In another bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, and oats. Cut in 1 stick of cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the apples and cream cheese layer.
6. Bake the Bars: Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
7. Cool and Finish: Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. Drizzle with caramel topping generously. Refrigerate the bars until completely chilled before serving for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the filling.
• Use Golden Delicious apples or similar sweet, firm apples to keep texture after baking.
• Allow the bars to cool completely and refrigerate to achieve clean slices.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon to the cream cheese filling if desired.
• Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars, cheesecake bars recipe, fall desserts, caramel desserts, easy cheesecake bars