Description

Delight in these luscious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery shortbread base, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, and a crumbly streusel finish, all drizzled with rich homemade caramel sauce. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting, layered treat with the flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized apples.

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). 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 and 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 granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled shortbread crust.
Add the Apple Layer: Distribute the spiced apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer, ensuring uniform coverage.
Make the Streusel Topping: In a medium bowl, combine the light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, and quick-cooking oats. Cut in the softened butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the apple layer.
Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the streusel topping is golden brown and the center is set. Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely in the pan.
Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the light brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a boil. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
Serve: Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce generously over the bars before cutting and serving for an extra layer of rich flavor.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor contrast.
If you prefer a less sweet caramel, reduce the brown sugar slightly or the vanilla extract in the caramel sauce.
Be sure to cool the bars completely before drizzling caramel to prevent it from soaking in too much.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Allow bars to come to room temperature before serving for the perfect texture.

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

Keywords: caramel apple bars, cheesecake bars, apple dessert, streusel bars, caramel sauce, fall dessert, baked bars