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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bake the Bars: Place the pan back into the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the filling is set.
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