Posted October 19, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

September is the season of apples! These delightful Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars are a treat worth savoring. They feature a buttery shortbread crust, a lusciously thick cheesecake layer, and a generous topping of diced cinnamon-spiced apples crowned with a sweet streusel layer. If you’re a fan of cheesecake bars, you’ll love this recipe.

CAN I FREEZE THESE CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS?

Yes, you can freeze these delectable Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars for up to four months. They hold up beautifully in the freezer, just be sure to save the caramel topping for drizzling when serving.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Apples:

• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped, (about 3 cups)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

Drizzle:

• 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked

 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or food processor (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 9×13 baking pan that is greased or lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
• In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.
• For the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture. You can’t use a food processor because it will grind up the oats.
• Sprinkle Streusel topping over apples. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Let bars come to room temperature then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen up to 4 months.
• Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool. Serve cold and enjoy!