How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in caramel apple cheesecake bars with layers of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping—perfect for fall gatherings.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup old-fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 8 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces
Filling & Topping:
- 2 8 oz packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup Marzetti’s
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and chopped into ¼″ pieces
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F and grease a 9×13″ pan.
- Make crust: In a bowl, stir flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly. Press into pan and bake 10–12 min until lightly golden.
- Prepare filling: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add caramel dip, flour, egg, and vanilla; mix just until blended.
- Pour filling over warm crust. Distribute apple pieces evenly, gently pressing them into the cheesecake layer.
- Bake 20–25 min until the center is set. Cool to room temperature, then cover and chill until firm.
- Before serving, spread remaining caramel dip over the top, slice into bars, and enjoy.
Notes
- Apple Selection: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the dessert's sweetness and maintain a firm texture during baking.
- Cream Cheese Preparation: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
- Preventing Apple Browning: After chopping, toss apples with cinnamon and sugar promptly to prevent oxidation and browning.