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Caramel apple cheesecake bars layered with creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, buttery crust, and crumb topping, drizzled with caramel sauce.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

A cozy layered dessert with buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and golden streusel finished with caramel.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 24
Course: Dessert, Holiday Baking
Cuisine: American, Thanksgiving
Calories: 270
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar light or dark both work
  • ¾ cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes
  • 16 oz cream cheese fully softened for smooth mixing
  • ½ cup granulated sugar divided, fine texture preferred
  • 1.1 teaspoons vanilla extract pure vanilla recommended
  • 2 large eggs room temperature, lightly whisked
  • 3½ medium tart apples peeled and finely diced
  • 0.55 teaspoon ground cinnamon freshly ground if possible
  • 0.28 teaspoon ground nutmeg warm spice balance
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour for streusel, measured loosely
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar adds caramel depth
  • 0.55 cup quick-cooking oats or old-fashioned for chew
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter cold and cubed for crumble
  • ⅓ cup caramel sauce thick, pourable consistency

Equipment

  • 1 13x9-inch baking pan Ensures proper bar thickness and even baking
  • 1 Pastry cutter or fork Used to cut butter into flour for crust and streusel
  • 1 Electric hand mixer Helps achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer
  • 1 Wire cooling rack Allows airflow under the pan so the crust cools without steaming

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 13x9-inch baking pan by greasing it thoroughly.
  2. Combine flour and brown sugar in a bowl, then cut in the cold butter until coarse crumbs form.
  3. Press the crumb mixture evenly into the pan and bake until lightly golden and fragrant.
  4. Beat the softened cream cheese with most of the sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  5. Blend in the eggs gently just until incorporated, then spread the cheesecake layer over the warm crust.
  6. Toss the chopped apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and remaining sugar until evenly coated.
  7. Spoon the apples evenly across the cheesecake layer.
  8. Mix flour, brown sugar, and oats for the topping, then cut in butter until crumbly.
  9. Sprinkle the streusel generously over the apples and bake until the center is set and topping is golden.
  10. Drizzle caramel over the warm bars if desired, cool completely, then refrigerate before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 95gCalories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 4gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 130mgPotassium: 90mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 480IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg

Notes

These bars taste like fall wrapped in a blanket—rich, comforting, and perfect for sharing. Chill them well for clean slices and the best texture. Caramel on top is optional, but always encouraged.

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