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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Close-up of a rich slice of apple cheesecake bars topped with streusel and dripping with caramel sauce.
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Make these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for a perfect fall dessert. This recipe combines a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping for an indulgent, handheld treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust/Streusel: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • For the Apple Layer: 3 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • For the Cheesecake Layer: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Caramel Topping: 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust and streusel: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping; this is your streusel.
  2. Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8×8 inch baking pan lined with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal. Bake the crust at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the apple layer: While the crust bakes, toss the diced apples with 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
  4. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Assemble the bars: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust. Spoon the spiced apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
  6. Sprinkle the reserved streusel mixture evenly over the apples.
  7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is mostly set and the topping is golden brown.
  8. Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  9. Once cool, drizzle the top generously with caramel sauce. Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before lifting them out using the parchment overhang and cutting into squares.

Notes

  • For a shortcut, use graham cracker crumbs instead of flour for the crust and streusel base.
  • If you prefer a stronger apple pie flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the apples.
  • You can make these ahead of time; store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutrition

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