Indulgent, creamy, and packed with the delightful flavors of caramel and apple, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a perfect fall treat. With a crumbly base layer, a smooth cheesecake middle layer, and a caramel apple topping, each bite offers a wonderful mix of textures and flavors. These bars are ideal for a cozy dessert or a special occasion, bringing the essence of autumn to your table.
What Makes These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Special
The magic of these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars lies in their irresistible combination of layers. The crumbly base adds a satisfying crunch, while the creamy cheesecake layer is rich and smooth. The caramel apple topping, complete with chunks of apple and nuts, brings a delightful sweetness and a hint of tartness. It’s a dessert that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.
A Delightful Autumn Treat
Picture this: It’s a crisp autumn day, and you’ve just served yourself a piece of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bar. The layers are perfectly distinct, with the golden caramel and apple chunks glistening on top. As you take a bite, the creamy cheesecake, crumbly base, and sweet-tart topping create a moment of pure indulgence. It’s a dessert that captures the essence of fall and brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a fall gathering, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a sweet treat, these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a versatile choice. They’re easy to make ahead and keep well, so you can enjoy them fresh or serve them the next day. Pair them with a cup of hot cider or a warm cup of coffee for a delightful combination that’s perfect for the season.
Ingredient Notes
For the Crust:
All-Purpose Flour: Forms a sturdy base with a tender, crumbly texture.
Light Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses sweetness.
Salt: Balances the flavors.
Butter (Softened): Creates a rich, buttery shortbread-style crust.
For the Cheesecake Layer:
Block Cream Cheese (Softened): The creamy, tangy foundation of the cheesecake layer.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and smooths out the cheesecake filling.
Large Eggs: Helps set the cheesecake and create a luscious texture.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall warmth and depth of flavor.
For the Apple Layer:
Granny Smith Apples (Diced): Tart and firm, perfect for baking.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the apples.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Adds cozy warmth and spice.
Lemon Juice: Prevents browning and brightens the apple flavor.
For the Streusel Topping:
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and a crumbly texture.
Light Brown Sugar: Gives the streusel a sweet, caramelized flavor.
Quick Cooking Oats: Adds a bit of chew and nuttiness.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth to the streusel.
Butter (Softened): Binds the streusel for a crisp, buttery topping.
Extras:
Caramel Topping: A final drizzle of indulgence after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with:
- A dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
- A drizzle of extra caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- A sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a warm and cold contrast.
Tips for Baking Perfection
- Use high-quality caramel: Good caramel makes a significant difference in flavor and texture.
- Chill the cheesecake well: This helps the layers set and makes for clean slices.
- Use firm apples: Firm apples hold their shape better and add a nice texture.
- Don’t overbake the cheesecake layer: Overbaking can make the cheesecake dry; bake just until set.
- Garnish before serving: Fresh toppings add a beautiful and delicious finish to the bars.
A Delicious Dessert Worth Sharing
These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a testament to the beauty of combining classic fall flavors into one delightful dessert. With their rich, creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel apple topping, and crumbly base, they’re sure to become a favorite treat. One bite, and you’ll understand why these bars are perfect for any occasion.
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups 240 gr all-purpose flour
- ½ cup 100 gr light brown sugar, packed
- ÂĽ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 225 gr butter, (2 sticks) softened
Cheesecake:
- 16 oz 450 gr block cream cheese, (two 8-oz blocks) softened
- ½ cup 100 gr granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Apples:
- 4 cups 370 gr Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, & diced (about 3 large apples)
- 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ÂĽ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Streusel:
- 1 cup 120 gr all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 200 gr light brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup 40 gr quick cooking oats
- ½ cup 115 gr butter, (1 stick) softened
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Extras:
- ½ cup 165 g caramel topping, for drizzling after being baked
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 13×9-inch baking pan by lightly greasing it or lining it with parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on each side for easy removal.
For the Crust:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and softened butter. Initially, the mixture will be dry and crumbly, but as you mix, it will come together and become moist. Press this mixture evenly into your prepared pan and bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar with an electric hand mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Pour this creamy mixture over the warm crust.
For the Apple Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Evenly distribute this apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
For the Streusel:
- In a medium bowl, mix all the streusel ingredients with a fork (or your fingers) until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this evenly over the apple topping—feel free to press it in slightly if you prefer larger clusters.
- Bake the assembled dessert at 350°F for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is set. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for about 2 hours until chilled. Just before serving, drizzle with caramel topping for an extra touch of indulgence.
Notes
- Allow the dessert to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving, as the chilled crust can be quite firm. If you've lined your pan with parchment paper, use the overhang to gently lift the dessert out. For clean, precise cuts, use a hot knife and rinse it under hot water between each slice.
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