Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Indulge, in a world of luxury with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, where the classic dessert takes on an autumn twist. Every bite offers a combination of textures and flavors. It all begins with a buttery crust that gives way to a creamy layer of cream cheese perfection. The tangy freshness of chopped Granny Smith apples adds a burst of tartness beautifully complemented by the embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg which bring the cozy essence of fall to life. To top it off there's a sprinkle of crunchy streusel topping along with a drizzle of rich caramel that transforms this dessert into an absolute masterpiece. Not only does this treat capture the spirit of autumn. It also guarantees to impress everyone at any gathering, with its timeless appeal.
24 Servings
Ingredients
CRUST:
- 2 c all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 c butter softened
CHEESECAKE FILLING:
- 3 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 c sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
APPLES:
- 3 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 3 c)
- 2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
STREUSEL TOPPING:
- 1 c firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 c all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c quick cooking oats
- 1/2 c butter softened
DRIZZLE:
- 1/2 c caramel topping for drizzling after baked
Instructions
- To begin preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a baking pan that measures 9x13 inches and either grease it thoroughly or line it with foil or parchment paper for easy removal of the bars later on.
- In a bowl combine 2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate 1 cup of softened butter until the mixture resembles crumbs. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of your pan. Place it in the oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until it turns a light golden brown.
- While the crust is baking, take a bowl. Beat together cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add one egg at a time making sure to mix after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Once the crust is baked pour this cream cheese mixture over it.
- In another bowl combine chopped apples, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Mix them thoroughly before spooning this apple mixture, over the cream cheese layer.
- In a bowl mix together 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of flour and half a cup of oats. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate half a cup of softened butter until you achieve a crumbly texture.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly across the layer of apples.
- Put the pan back, in the oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the filling becomes firm.
- Let the bars cool down to room temperature. Once they have cooled drizzle some caramel topping over them.
- For texture and taste refrigerate the bars before cutting them into squares. Enjoy your delicious homemade Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars!
Notes
If you want to make our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars suitable, for a gluten-free diet just replace the regular all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free 1 to 1 baking flour in both the crust and the streusel topping. Make sure to use gluten-free quick-cooking oats as well. Before you begin double-check the ingredients, in your caramel topping to make sure it's also gluten-free. With these substitutions you can create a dessert that everyone can enjoy even those following a gluten-free lifestyle!