Can these bars be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare them the night before. Just chill until firm, then cover and refrigerate. Add the caramel drizzle just before serving for the freshest look.

Can I freeze caramel apple cheesecake bars?

These bars do not freeze well. The apple and cheesecake layers lose their texture once thawed. It’s best to bake and enjoy within 24 hours.

How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?

Avoid overbaking and don’t overmix once you add the eggs. Letting the bars cool gradually at room temperature before chilling also reduces cracking.

What caramel sauce brand works best?

Torani and Ghirardelli caramel sauces are both great options. They pour easily, taste rich, and hold up well after chilling.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Description

Creamy cheesecake bars layered with cinnamon apples and crunchy streusel, finished with gooey caramel. Perfect for Christmas dessert tables and parties. Makes 24 biteable squares.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup unsalted butter softened

For the cheesecake layer

16 oz cream cheese softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the apple cinnamon filling

3 Granny Smith apples cored and thinly sliced

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

For the streusel topping

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup old fashioned oats

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened

1 egg white lightly beaten

For the caramel drizzle

1/2 cup caramel sauce store bought or homemade

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with greased foil, leaving overhang for easy lifting.

2. Mix flour, brown sugar, and softened butter for the crust until crumbly. Press evenly into the pan.

3. Bake crust for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly golden around the edges.

4. Beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix just until combined.

5. Spread cheesecake filling over the hot crust in an even layer.

6. Toss sliced apples with 2 tbsp sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated. Layer apples evenly over cheesecake.

7. Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and softened butter until crumbly. Stir in egg white.

8. Sprinkle streusel evenly over the apple layer without pressing.

9. Bake 30 to 40 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden.

10. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Lift out using the foil and cool completely on a rack.

11. Drizzle caramel evenly over cooled bars.

12. Chill until firm about 1 hour. Slice into 24 squares. Wipe the knife between cuts for clean edges.

Notes

Best eaten the day it is baked. Does not freeze well.

Homemade caramel is great. Torani or Ghirardelli sauce also works.

Apples may be peeled or left with skins.

Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for the smoothest filling.

Let bars cool completely before cutting for tidy slices.

Chill until firm and serve within 24 hours for best taste.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Christmas Dessert Recipes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar