CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS

Indeed, there is nothing like biting into a crisp fall apple that has been dipped in caramel.  This delicious tried and true caramel apple cheesecake bar has all of the amazing flavors of fall combined into it. What’s more? The best part is the caramel drizzled on top!

A simple tip is that whatever you do, don’t bake a batch of these without a plan, otherwise next thing you know you’ve eaten half the pan all by yourself! (Definitely speaking from experience.)

So let’s get to it, what are caramel apple cheesecake bars?

These bars start off with a chewy oatmeal cookie crust. Then a layer of rich and creamy cheesecake filling is added, followed by sweet and tart apples and a crumbly streusel topping. And to top it all off, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce.

Preparation Steps : 

The apples to use

Honestly, you can really use any apple you have on hand

CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

APPLES:

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

STREUSEL TOPPING:

• 1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup (5 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1.75 ounces) quick cooking oats
• 1/2 cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) butter, softened

SHORTBREAD BASE:

• 2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (3.75 ounces) packed brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks, 8 ounces) butter, softened

CREAM CHEESE LAYER:

• 2 (8 ounces each) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (3.75 ounces) sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

CARAMEL SAUCE:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup (7.5 ounces) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla (can cut down to 1 teaspoon for less vanilla flavor)

Instructions

Storing Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

• These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars should be tightly covered and stored in the refrigerator.  They are good for about 3-5 days, but the best texture after 24 hours.

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and then line a 9X13-inch pan with foil (helps with cleanup but isn't necessary). Lightly grease the foil with nonstick cooking spray.
• in a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt and cinnamon.
• Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly
• Press evenly into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned
• in a large bowl with an electric handheld mixer (or in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment), beat the cream cheese with the 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time and then the vanilla. Mix until evenly combined, scraping down the edges of the bowl as needed. Pour over the warm crust.
• For the apples, in a small bowl, stir together the chopped apples, two tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
• in a medium bowl, combine all the streusel topping ingredients and mix with a pastry blender or two forks (or your fingers) until crumbly. Set aside.
• Sprinkle your Streusel topping over apples. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool.
• Serve cold and enjoy!

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