Description
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a sweet crumble topping—finished with a rich caramel drizzle. A perfect fall or holiday dessert!
Ingredients
Scale
- Shortbread Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Apple Layer:
- 3 cups chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- Crumble Topping:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Finish:
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Mix flour, sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Press into the pan and bake 10–12 minutes.
- Cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over the warm crust.
- Apple layer: Toss apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle evenly over cheesecake.
- Crumble topping: Mix brown sugar, flour, oats, and softened butter into coarse crumbs. Sprinkle on top.
- Bake 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the center is set.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate at least 2 hours.
- Drizzle with caramel before slicing into bars.
Notes
Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for the best flavor. For cleaner slices, chill fully before cutting. Add extra caramel on top when serving for an indulgent finish. Bars store well in the refrigerator for 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, apple cheesecake bars, fall desserts, holiday desserts, apple bars, caramel desserts