Print

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Close-up of a single serving of apple cheesecake bars showing the graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and crumb topping.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for a perfect fusion of cheesecake richness, tart apples, and sweet caramel, all topped with a buttery streusel. This recipe is ideal for fall gatherings and delivers comforting, classic American home flavors.

Ingredients

  • For the Buttery Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted), 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • For the Apple Layer: 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, sliced), 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • For the Cheesecake Filling: 16 ounces cream cheese (softened), 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Streusel Topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
  • For the Caramel Drizzle (Optional): 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Let cool slightly.
  3. Prepare the apple layer: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/4 cup brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon flour until coated. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Assemble the layers: Pour half of the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Arrange half of the spiced apple slices evenly over the batter. Top with the remaining cheesecake batter, then layer the remaining apples.
  6. Prepare the streusel: In a separate bowl, mix the streusel ingredients (flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter) using your fingers or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apple layer.
  7. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is mostly firm.
  8. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For clean slices, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
  9. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • Chilling the bars overnight allows the layers to set firmly, giving you the cleanest slices for serving at potlucks or parties.
  • You can substitute the graham cracker crust with a shortbread crust recipe if you prefer a different buttery base.
  • If you skip the caramel drizzle, these are still excellent as Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbycarla.com/apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-fall-dessert/