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Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

A single serving of rich apple cheesecake bars featuring a creamy layer, apple filling, and thick crumb topping.
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Create handheld treats that combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping. This recipe delivers the complex flavor of apple pie and cheesecake in an easy-to-make bar format, perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust/Streusel: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 cup rolled oats (for streusel only)
  • For the Apple Layer: 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • For the Cheesecake Filling: 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust and streusel: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Set aside 1 1/2 cups of this mixture for the streusel topping. To the remaining mixture in the bowl, add the rolled oats if you are using them for the streusel, and mix well.
  4. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes.
  5. 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.
  6. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Assemble the bars: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the partially baked crust. Spoon the spiced apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
  8. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture (streusel) evenly over the apples.
  9. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is mostly set and the edges are lightly golden.
  10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing.
  11. If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce before cutting into squares.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a shortbread crust by substituting 1/2 cup of the flour with almond flour.
  • If you want a ‘Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars’ focus, warm the caramel sauce slightly and drizzle it over the bars just before serving.
  • Use firm apples like Granny Smith for the best tartness that balances the sweet cheesecake.

Nutrition

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