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Cozy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

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These cozy caramel apple cheesecake bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, tender cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping, finished with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfect for fall and easy to make, they offer a comforting and indulgent dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup caramel sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan in an even layer.
  3. Prepare the apple layer: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples soften but still hold shape, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Make the cheesecake filling: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Add sugar and mix until combined. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream until smooth.
  5. Layer the cheesecake bars: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the crust and spread evenly. Spoon the cooked apples over the filling, distributing them evenly. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling on top and smooth the surface carefully.
  6. Prepare the streusel topping: In a bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle streusel evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  7. Bake: Place pan in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles but isn’t liquid. Avoid overbaking to keep creamy texture.
  8. Cool and drizzle caramel: Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack (at least 2 hours). Once cooled, drizzle with caramel sauce just before slicing.
  9. Slice and serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift bars out of the pan. Cut into 16 squares with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Cook apples before layering to prevent watery cheesecake. Keep butter cold for streusel to ensure a crunchy topping. Tent with foil if streusel browns too quickly. Let bars cool completely before slicing. Warm knife blade for clean cuts. Bars can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cheesecake bars, streusel topping, fall dessert, easy cheesecake bars, homemade caramel dessert, apple cinnamon dessert

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/cozy-caramel-apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe-easy-homemade-streusel-topping/