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Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

A close-up view of a rich apple cheesecake bars slice showing the graham cracker crust, creamy filling, apple layer, and crumb topping.
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I am so glad you are here! These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and a simple streusel topping. This recipe delivers all the flavor of apple pie and cheesecake in one easy, handheld dessert perfect for fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Crust/Crumble: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • For the Apple Layer: 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced thin
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • For the Cheesecake Layer: 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For Topping (Optional): 1/4 cup caramel sauce, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the Crust/Crumble: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside about 3/4 cup of this mixture for the topping.
  3. Press the remaining crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Apple Layer: While the crust bakes, toss the sliced apples with the 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
  5. 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.
  6. Assemble the Bars: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the warm, pre-baked crust. Top the cheesecake layer with the spiced apple slices. Sprinkle the reserved 3/4 cup of crumb mixture evenly over the apples.
  7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is mostly set.
  8. Cool the bars completely in the pan on a wire rack. This step is important for clean slicing.
  9. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper overhang. If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast against the sweet cheesecake.
  • You can use a shortbread crust recipe if you prefer a more defined buttery base instead of the simple flour/sugar crumble base.
  • Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing for the cleanest cuts, especially if you are serving them at a potluck.

Nutrition

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

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