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Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

A single, decadent square of apple cheesecake bars showing a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, and thick apple crumble topping.
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You can make these layered apple cheesecake bars that combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping. This recipe is simple to follow and perfect for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

  • For the Crust/Streusel: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • For the Crust/Streusel: 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • For the Crust/Streusel: 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • For the Crust/Streusel: 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • For the Crust/Streusel: 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • For the Crust/Streusel: 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • For the Apple Layer: 4 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
  • For the Apple Layer: 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • For the Apple Layer: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • For the Apple Layer: 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • For the Cheesecake Layer: 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • For the Cheesecake Layer: 1 cup granulated sugar
  • For the Cheesecake Layer: 2 large eggs
  • For the Cheesecake Layer: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Caramel Drizzle (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 mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, 1/2 cup granulated 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 mixture for the topping. To the remaining mixture in the bowl, add the rolled oats and mix briefly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust.
  4. Prepare the apple layer: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch until the apples are evenly coated. Spread the apple mixture over the crust layer.
  5. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently pour the cheesecake mixture over the apple layer.
  7. Sprinkle the reserved 1 1/2 cups of the crumb mixture evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer to create the streusel.
  8. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is mostly firm. The cheesecake layer may still have a slight jiggle.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is important for clean slicing.
  10. Once cool, chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing into squares.
  11. If using, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith for the apple layer.
  • If you want a richer caramel flavor, you can use salted caramel sauce for the optional drizzle.
  • This recipe works well with a graham cracker crust if you prefer to substitute the flour-based crust.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://littlekitchendiary.com/apple-cheesecake-bars/