Description
Caramel apple cheesecake bars combine rich cream cheese with spiced apples and buttery caramel in a delightful dessert. Layers of sweet complexity create a memorable treat perfect for autumn gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 packages (8 oz / 226 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 granny smith apples, peeled and chopped very small
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 12 tbsps cold butter, cubed small
- 5 tbsps cold butter, cubed small
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup quick oats
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsps granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Drizzle of caramel syrup/sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Workspace: Preheat oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
- Create Crust Foundation: Blend flour, brown sugar, and softened butter until a uniform crumbly texture forms, then firmly compact the mixture into an even layer across the pan’s bottom.
- Initial Baking Phase: Bake the crust for 15-18 minutes until achieving a light golden hue, then remove and allow to cool momentarily.
- Craft Cheesecake Filling: Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs to create a luxurious, creamy mixture.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: Toss diced apples with cinnamon and sugar, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with aromatic spices.
- Layer and Assemble: Spread the cream cheese mixture uniformly over the pre-baked crust, then artfully distribute the spiced apple chunks across the surface.
- Develop Streusel Topping: Combine flour, brown sugar, and cold butter, using fingertips to create a textured, crumbly garnish.
- Final Baking Process: Generously sprinkle streusel over the apple-cheesecake layer, then bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheesecake sets and streusel turns golden brown.
- Cooling and Finishing: Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then elegantly drizzle caramel sauce across the surface.
- Serve and Enjoy: Refrigerate for minimum 3 hours, slice into precise squares, and serve chilled for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- Crust Perfection: Press the mixture firmly and evenly to create a stable base that won’t crumble when slicing.
- Cream Cheese Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature and beat until completely smooth to prevent lumps in the filling.
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Chilling is Crucial: Allow the bars to refrigerate for the full 3 hours to achieve the ideal set and allow flavors to develop completely.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 25
- Calories: 267
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 178 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 41 mg