Apple-Caramel Cheesecake Bars are basically a four-layer dessert. Not counting the caramel drizzle on top! The four layers are a shortbread crust that is baked and then the cheesecake layer goes on top of that. I made a simple apple-caramel topping for the next layer and lastly, we have the crumb layer which is similar to a fruit crisp topping.
How I Made Apple-Caramel Cheesecake Bars
- For best quality use full-fat butter and cream cheese.
- In my opinion, pink lady apples are better than granny smith for this recipe.
- I make all of the layers and then assemble instead of layering as I go.
- Adding the caramel drizzle on top is completely optional!
- Spray your pan with baking spray and then line with parchment paper. Getting these out of the pan can be a beast otherwise 😁.
- The caramel apple topping for this recipe makes a delicious pie!
- Old-Fashioned oats make a prettier crumb topping.
The best thing about this dessert is that all four of the layers can be made ahead(store in the refrigerator). The dessert can be assembled, baked and chilled overnight before serving. It can also be made ahead, frozen and then thawed in the refrigerator until serving time. It is definitely the most versatile dessert and perfect for Thanksgiving!
Apple-Caramel Cheesecake Bars
A very yummy version of cheesecake with four layers of deliciousness.
Servings 24
Ingredients
- CRUST
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1/4 cup pecans chopped
- CHEESECAKE FILLING
- 3 8 oz. packages cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- CARAMEL-APPLES
- 3-4 pink lady or granny smith apples
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground all-spice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup salted caramel topping
- TOPPING
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup butter softened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13 dish with baking spray and then line with parchment paper.
- For the crust; soften the butter in the microwave or use room temperature.
- Mix all crust ingredients together and press into the bottom of a 9 x 13 dish.
- Bake the crust 8-10 minutes. Cool while making the remaining layers.
- Add all cheesecake ingredients to the bowl of a mixer and beat on medium/high speed until filling is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Slice or chop apples and to a medium saucepan along with the caramel, spices, butter, and brown sugar. Cook 8-10 minutes until apples are fork-tender. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- For the topping mix the softened butter, oats, flour, and brown sugar together by hand and set aside.
- To assemble the dessert spread the cheesecake over the crust, the apples over the cheesecake, and sprinkle the crumb topping over the apples. Bake 35-45 minutes or until filling is set.
- Allow cooling before cutting into bars to serve. Keep leftovers in the refrigerator.