Decadent Caramel Apple Delight Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in a perfectly layered dessert that combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake, the tartness of Granny Smith apples, and the sweetness of caramel. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a luscious apple cheesecake center, and are topped with a crunchy streusel layer. Finished with a drizzle of caramel, this treat offers a blend of satisfying textures and flavors that are perfect for any occasion.
16
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
2 cups (divided)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (firmly packed, divided)
butter
1 cup (softened, divided)
cream cheese
24 ounces (softened)
sugar
3/4 cup (plus 2 tablespoons, divided)
eggs
3 large (at room temperature)
vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (pure)
granny smith apples
3 (peeled, cored, and finely chopped)
ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
quick-cooking oats
1/2 cup
caramel topping
1/2 cup (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lining it with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving enough overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking.
2
Begin with the crust. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar. Add 1 cup of softened butter, and mix with a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
3
Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it is lightly browned. Remove from oven and let sit while you prepare the filling.
4
In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer set to medium speed, blend 24 ounces of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
5
Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm crust.
6
For the apple layer: In a separate small bowl, toss the chopped Granny Smith apples with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg until the apples are well coated. Spread this evenly over the cream cheese layer.
7
Streusel topping: In another small bowl, mix 1 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/2 cup of quick-cooking oats. Cut in 1/2 cup of softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.
8
Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
9
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes in the preheated oven until the filling has set. Remove and let cool in the pan on a wire rack.
10
Once cooled, drizzle the top with caramel topping. Chill the bars thoroughly in the refrigerator before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
16.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
4.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dessert recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Caramel Apple Delight Cheesecake Bars.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 16 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What size pan is required for baking?
You should use a 9x13 inch baking pan.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
Line the pan with heavy-duty aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
What ingredients are needed for the crust?
The crust requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar, and 1 cup of softened butter.
How long do I bake the crust initially?
Bake the crust for about 15 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
How much cream cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses 24 ounces of softened cream cheese.
How many eggs are needed for the cheesecake layer?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs at room temperature.
What type of vanilla extract should I use?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.
Which apple variety is recommended for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor.
How many apples should I prepare?
You will need 3 apples for the fruit layer.
How should the apples be processed?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and finely chopped.
What spices are used to season the apples?
The apples are tossed with 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
How much sugar is added to the apple mixture?
Two tablespoons of sugar are used to coat the chopped apples.
What ingredients make up the streusel topping?
The topping consists of 1 cup of brown sugar, 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup of quick-cooking oats, and 1/2 cup of softened butter.
What type of oats are used in the streusel?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of quick-cooking oats.
How long does the entire assembly bake?
The bars should bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the filling has set.
When should I add the caramel topping?
Drizzle the caramel topping over the bars once they have cooled.
How much caramel topping is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of caramel topping.
Do the bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, they should be chilled thoroughly in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each bar contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 16.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per bar?
Each serving contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each bar?
There are 4.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is the butter for the crust softened or cold?
The butter for both the crust and streusel should be softened.
How do I mix the crust if I don't have a pastry blender?
You can use two forks to mix the ingredients until they form coarse crumbs.
How should I add the eggs to the cream cheese?
Add them one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
What is the texture of the crust?
It is a buttery shortbread crust.
What are the primary flavors of this dessert?
The primary flavors are creamy cheesecake, tart apples, sweet caramel, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.