Print

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

caramel apple cheesecake bars - featured image
Print Recipe

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a luscious caramel swirl for the ultimate easy fall dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy treat, they’re make-ahead friendly and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 tbsp (25g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1/3 cup (42g) all-purpose flour (for streusel, optional)
  • 1/3 cup (65g) brown sugar, packed (for streusel, optional)
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon (for streusel, optional)
  • 1/4 cup (56g) cold unsalted butter, diced (for streusel, optional)
  • Pinch of salt (for streusel, optional)

Instructions

  1. Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting, or grease the pan generously.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup softened unsalted butter and 1/2 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 cups flour and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until the dough is crumbly but holds when pressed.
  3. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, until just set. Set aside.
  4. Peel, core, and dice 2 medium apples. Toss with 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Set aside.
  5. In a clean bowl, beat 16 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 2/3 cup sugar, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Beat until just combined.
  6. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Scatter the diced apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  7. Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce over the apples. Swirl gently with a knife or toothpick.
  8. For the optional streusel: In a small bowl, combine 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in 1/4 cup cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top.
  9. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges are lightly golden. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  10. Cool bars completely at room temperature, then chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
  11. Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife. Drizzle with extra caramel before serving, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and chill the bars thoroughly before slicing. Streusel topping is optional but adds a delicious crunch. Bars can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with appropriate substitutions. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple cheesecake, easy cheesecake bars, apple dessert, caramel dessert, potluck dessert, make-ahead dessert, autumn baking

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-easy-fall-dessert-recipe-youll-love/