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This caramel apple cheesecake bar recipe combines the best fall flavors into one irresistible dessert. The buttery shortbread crust is topped with creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel before being drizzled with homemade caramel sauce. It has become my go-to dessert for autumn gatherings and holiday potlucks.
I first made these bars for a fall harvest party several years ago, and they disappeared faster than any other dessert on the table. Since then, they've become my signature autumn treat that friends and family specifically request when the weather turns cool.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- Granny Smith apples: provide the perfect tartness to balance the sweet components
- Sugar: helps draw out moisture from the apples
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: create that classic warm apple pie flavor
For the Streusel Topping
- Light brown sugar: adds a rich molasses flavor to the crumbly topping
- All purpose flour: gives structure to the streusel
- Cinnamon: enhances the apple spice flavor profile
- Quick cooking oats: create that perfect rustic texture
- Salted butter: binds everything together while adding richness
For the Shortbread Base
- All purpose flour: creates a sturdy foundation for all the layers
- Brown sugar: provides depth of flavor compared to regular sugar
- Salt: balances the sweetness
- Cinnamon: ties in with the apple filling flavors
- Salted butter: makes the shortbread base perfectly tender and flavorful
For the Cream Cheese Layer
- Cream cheese: should be fully softened for a smooth texture
- Granulated sugar: works best for creamy cheesecake texture
- Eggs: provide structure and richness
- Vanilla extract: adds flavor depth and complexity
For the Caramel Sauce
- Salted butter: creates a rich base for the caramel
- Light brown sugar: gives that classic caramel color and flavor
- Heavy cream: makes the caramel sauce silky and pourable
- Salt: enhances all the flavors and cuts the sweetness
- Vanilla extract: adds complexity and warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with foil. Spray lightly with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks. This preparation makes it infinitely easier to remove and slice the bars later.
Mix the Apple Filling
Combine the peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples with sugar and spices in a bowl. Let this mixture sit while preparing the other components. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the apples to release some of their juices.
Create the Streusel Topping
Combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, oats, and softened butter in a bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pieces throughout. The texture should be like wet sand that holds together when squeezed.
Make the Shortbread Base
Mix the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the softened butter until the mixture is uniformly crumbly. Press firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even layer. The crust should be compact to support all the toppings. Bake for 10 minutes until just barely golden at the edges.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla, mixing until just combined. Pour this mixture over the warm crust, spreading to create an even layer. The warmth of the crust helps the cheesecake layer settle evenly.
Assemble and Bake
Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the streusel topping over everything, covering the surface completely. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is just set. The bars may still have a slight jiggle which will firm up during cooling.
Make the Caramel Sauce
Combine butter, brown sugar, cream, and salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Add vanilla and cook another minute. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
Finish and Serve
Allow the bars to cool completely to room temperature before drizzling with the caramel sauce. For the cleanest slices, refrigerate before cutting with a warm knife. The contrast between the cold bars and warm caramel creates a delightful temperature experience.
The homemade caramel sauce is what elevates these bars from good to extraordinary. I once tried to save time with store-bought caramel and while still delicious my family immediately noticed the difference. The extra few minutes to make your own caramel is absolutely worth it for that buttery rich flavor that commercial versions simply cannot match.
Making Perfect Caramel
When making the caramel sauce, patience is key. Use medium-low heat and stir constantly to prevent burning. The sauce should be a rich amber color not too dark which would indicate it's becoming bitter. If your caramel seizes or crystallizes, add a splash more cream and keep stirring until smooth again. For an extra special touch, consider adding a tablespoon of bourbon or apple brandy to the finished caramel for a sophisticated flavor boost.
Serving Suggestions
These bars are delicious on their own, but become a showstopping dessert when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and extra caramel drizzle. For fall gatherings, create a dessert bar with these cheesecake squares alongside hot apple cider and coffee. The bars also pair beautifully with a glass of late harvest Riesling or sweet dessert wine for an elegant ending to a dinner party.
Adapting for Dietary Needs
While this recipe is perfect as written, it can be adapted for various dietary requirements. For gluten-free guests, substitute the all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend in both the crust and streusel. The oats should be certified gluten-free. For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar in the cheesecake layer by 2 tablespoons and use a tart apple variety like Pink Lady or Honeycrisp instead of Granny Smith. The caramel can be made with coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can substitute Granny Smith apples with other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
- → How should I store the bars?
Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
- → Can I make the caramel sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the caramel sauce in advance, refrigerate it, and reheat before drizzling over the bars.
- → How do I achieve clean cuts when slicing the bars?
Chill the bars in the refrigerator and use a warm knife to slice for clean, even cuts.
- → Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted?
Yes, simply add a pinch of salt to each component of the recipe if using unsalted butter.