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Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with layers of cheesecake, cinnamon apples, and caramel drizzle.

Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These cozy and sweet cheesecake bars combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, soft cinnamon apples, and a golden caramel finish, making them the perfect fall dessert.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting the pan
  • 1 teaspoon salt
For the cheesecake layer
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature Make sure it's properly softened to avoid lumps.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs Add one at a time and mix lightly.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the apple layer
  • 3 cups apples, chopped Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are preferred.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or cornstarch To thicken juices.
For the streusel topping
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
For the caramel topping
  • 1 cup caramel sauce Store-bought or melted caramel candies with cream.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare a 9x13 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper.
Make the crust
  1. In a bowl, combine melted butter, sugar, flour, and salt until crumbly.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Make the cheesecake layer
  1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add sugar, eggs (one at a time), and vanilla; mix until creamy and well combined.
  3. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
Prepare the apple layer
  1. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with cinnamon, sugar, and flour or cornstarch.
  2. Layer the spiced apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Make the streusel topping
  1. In another bowl, mix melted butter, flour, and brown sugar until crumbly.
  2. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the apples.
Bake and chill
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the center is set with a slight jiggle.
  2. Cool on the counter then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
Serve
  1. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
  2. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the knife between cuts for neat squares.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and allow proper chilling time to achieve clean layers. These bars can be frozen too; wrap each bar and freeze for up to 2 months.