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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

A close-up of a square slice of apple cheesecake bars with a crumb topping.
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You get the best of fall baking in one handheld bar: a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping. This recipe delivers indulgent flavor for fall treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust/Streusel: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (for streusel only)
  • For the Apple Layer: 3 medium 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: 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Caramel Topping (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 and streusel: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown 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 crumb mixture for the streusel topping. To the remaining crumbs in the bowl, add the rolled oats (if using oats in the crust base, otherwise skip oats here). Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  4. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven.
  5. Prepare the apple layer: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread the spiced apples evenly over the warm crust.
  6. 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.
  7. Gently spread the cream cheese mixture over the apple layer.
  8. Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture (the streusel) evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  9. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake is mostly set but still has a slight wobble in the center.
  10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
  11. Once cool, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing.
  12. If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the cheesecake and caramel.
  • For an easier cleanup, use foil or parchment paper that extends over the sides of the pan, creating handles to lift the entire dessert out before cutting.
  • You can make these ahead of time; they store well covered in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/apple-cheesecake-bars-caramel-streusel-recipe/