Description

These easy-to-make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect cozy fall dessert, featuring a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a decadent caramel topping.

Ingredients

For the crust

1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
0.5 cups melted butter (to combine with crumbs)
0.25 cups sugar (can be adjusted to taste)
1 pinch salt

For the cheesecake filling

8 oz cream cheese (full fat, room temperature)
0.75 cups sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.5 cups sour cream or Greek yogurt (as a substitute)

For the apple layer

3 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, thinly sliced)
1 tsp cinnamon
0.25 cups brown sugar
1 tbsp flour or cornstarch (to absorb juice)
1 tbsp lemon juice (to prevent browning)

For the streusel topping

0.75 cups flour
0.5 cups oats (optional)
0.5 cups brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
0.5 cups cold butter (cut into chunks)

For finishing

0.5 cups caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 pinch flaky salt (optional, for garnish)
0.25 cups chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt, then add melted butter and stir until crumbly. Press into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes and let cool.

Cheesecake Filling

Beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth.
Add vanilla and sour cream, mixing until combined.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently to avoid overmixing.

Apple Layer

Thinly slice apples and toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and flour/cornstarch.

Assembly

Pour cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and top evenly with sliced apples, then sprinkle streusel topping over everything.

Baking

Bake the assembled bars for 35-45 minutes until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

Finishing Touch

Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecake bars just before serving. Optionally sprinkle with flaky salt and chopped nuts.

Notes

These bars improve in flavor after chilling overnight. For the best texture, avoid cutting until well-chilled. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall