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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Leila
  • Total Time: 75 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings

Description

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crumb crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, tart and spiced apples, and a crunchy oat streusel topping, all drizzled with caramel sauce for a decadent dessert perfect for fall or any celebration.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter, softened

Cheesecake Layer

  • 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Apple Topping

  • 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

  • 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened

Finishing

  • 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust and assembled bars.
  2. Prepare crust: In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup softened butter using a pastry blender, food processor, or two forks until crumbly. Press mixture evenly into a greased or foil/parchment-lined 9x13 inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
  3. Make cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat 3 packages softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing in well after each, then stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour this mixture evenly over the warm crust.
  4. Prepare apple topping: In a small bowl, combine finely chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Spoon this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  5. Make streusel topping: In another small bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup quick oats, and 1/2 cup softened butter. Use your hands to thoroughly mix the butter into the dry ingredients to form a crumbly topping. Avoid using a food processor to keep oats intact.
  6. Assemble and bake: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer. Bake the assembled bars for 40 to 45 minutes, until the cheesecake filling is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool and store: Let the bars come to room temperature after baking. Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel topping evenly over the cooled bars. Chill bars in the refrigerator before serving. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months.
  8. Serve: Cut bars into squares, serve cold, and enjoy the blend of creamy, fruity, and sweet caramel flavors.

Notes

  • If you want a firmer crust, you can chill the crust dough before baking.
  • The apples should be finely chopped to ensure even distribution and easy cutting of bars.
  • The streusel topping should be hand mixed to preserve the texture of the oats.
  • Allowing the bars to cool before drizzling caramel prevents it from melting in too much.
  • These bars freeze well; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipesbyleila.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe/