Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Fall baking just got a whole lot sweeter thanks to these insanely good caramel apple cheesecake bars with streusel topping.

I’m talking layer upon layer of autumnal bliss, from the brown sugar shortbread crust to the velvety-smooth filling and sweetly-spiced apples. 

But we’re not stopping there! They’re topped with an irresistible brown sugar and oat streusel that takes these bars to another level of cozy deliciousness. 

Oh, and did I mention the generous pour of thick caramel sauce? Yum!

Why You’ll Love These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Perfect Fall Dessert: These bars combine the best flavors of fall—apples, cinnamon, and caramel—making them an ideal treat for autumn gatherings and holidays.

Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these bars in advance and refrigerate them for up to five days. So they’re perfect for party prep!

Textural Wonderland: They offer a delightful medley of textures – creamy cheesecake, tender apples, crunchy streusel, and velvety caramel sauce.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the buttery crust and crumbly streusel. 

• Granulated and Brown Sugar: A dynamic duo of sweetness. Granulated is for the cheesecake and the apple layer, while the brown sugar is for the crust, streusel, and caramel.

• Salted Butter: Adds unbeatable flavor and richness to the crust, streusel topping, and caramel. Use salted for that yummy salted caramel finish!

• Granny Smith Apples: Tart and firm, they’re the perfect apple for baking.

• Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Rich, creamy, and indulgent, these are the keys to a velvety smooth cheesecake filling.

• Large Eggs + Yolks: Bind the cheesecake filling, giving it a smooth, custardy texture and helping it set.

• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors in the filling and caramel and brings a hint of sweet warmth. 

• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: The ultimate fall spices! They add warmth, aroma, and depth to the apple layer and streusel.

• Quick Cooking Oats: Provides heartiness and chew to the streusel topping. 

• Heavy Cream: For the most luxurious caramel sauce. 

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

These bars merge all the iconic flavors of fall into one portable, no-fuss dessert. 

Apple pie, cheesecake, and crunchy streusel all in one handheld treat? Yeah, it’s as amazing as it sounds. 

And while it requires a few steps (and bowls), it’s more than worth it in the end!

1. PREP: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. CRUST: Mix the flour and brown sugar in a medium bowl. Cut in the butter until crumbly. Press into the prepared pan, bake for 10-15 minutes, and set aside to cool.

3. STREUSEL: Mix the brown sugar, flour, oats, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Cover and refrigerate.

4. APPLES: Stir the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated. Set aside.

5. FILLING: Beat the cream cheese and the sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and yolks one at a time, then the sour cream and vanilla.

6. ASSEMBLE: Pour the filling over the warm crust, spoon over the apples, then sprinkle the streusel on top. 

7. BAKE: Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F, reduce to 300°F, and bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are set and the middle is slightly jiggly. Cool completely, and refrigerate for 5 hours or overnight.

8. CARAMEL: Combine the butter, brown sugar, and cream in a pot over medium-low heat. Simmer until thickened, then stir in the vanilla and set aside to cool. 

9. SERVE: Cut the cheesecake into squares, drizzle with the caramel, serve, and enjoy.

Tips For the Best Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

If you’re looking for a dessert that embodies the essence of the season, you just found it. 

They’re sure to be a hit at any fall gathering or a cozy night in.

But if you’ve never made cheesecake bars before, check out these tips before you get started.  

• Apple choice: Use tart apples to counter the sweetness in the filling and caramel. Granny Smiths are ideal for their tartness, and because they don’t turn to mush after baking. 

• Caramel options: Feel free to use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience. Get a brand you know you enjoy. You’ll need at least 1/2 cup.

• Cream cheese: Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese to ensure a rich and creamy texture.

• Room temperature ingredients: Set everything out about 20-30 minutes before you begin. That’ll make mixing a lot easier!

• Crust preparation: Press the crust mixture firmly into the pan using a flat-bottomed glass or measuring cup.

• Streusel topping: Ensure the streusel topping is well-mixed and crumbly for a perfect texture.

• Layering: Spread each layer evenly to ensure consistent flavor and texture in every bite.

• Baking time: The bars are done when the center is slightly jiggly but not liquid; they will set further as they cool.

• Cooling: Allow the bars to cool completely and refrigerate for at least 5 hours before cutting to ensure clean slices.

• Optional add-ins: Add spices like ginger or cloves to the apple mixture, or mix caramel into the cheesecake filling for extra flavor.

How to Store

These bars are like a warm hug on a crisp autumn day. And since they store well, you can go ahead and make double!

To Store: Layer the bars in an airtight container with parchment between each slice. Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days and let come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

To Freeze: Wrap each square in plastic and foil, then place in a large freezer bag. Keep in the freeze for 2-3 months then thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying with fresh caramel. 

More Dreamy Cheesecake Bars to Try

Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Bars
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Course: DessertCuisine: American

Servings

16

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

Calories

683

kcal

If you love apple orchards and cheesecake, these caramel apple cheesecake bars with streusel topping and caramel sauce are about to blow your mind.

Ingredients

• Shortbread Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 cup salted butter, softened

• Streusel Topping

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats

• 1/2 cup salted butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Apple Layer

• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 3 cups)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Cheesecake Filling

• 3 bricks full-fat cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs + 2 yolks

• 1 cup sour cream

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• Caramel Sauce

• 1/4 cup salted butter

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temp

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
• Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix the flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10-15 minutes until lightly browned, then set aside to cool.
• Make the streusel: While the crust bakes, mix the brown sugar, flour, oats, butter, and cinnamon with a fork in the same bowl used for the crust. Cover and refrigerate.
• Make the apples: In a separate bowl, stir the apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated. Set aside.
• Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl and beat again. Add eggs and yolks one at a time with the mixer on low, then blend in the sour cream and vanilla.
• Assemble: Pour the cheesecake filling over the warm crust and spread flat. Stir the apples, then gently spoon evenly over the cheesecake. Finally, toss the streusel to release the clumps and sprinkle over the apples.
• Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the heat to 300°F and continue baking for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the middle is slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and leave to cool completely on the counter. Then, cover and refrigerate for 5 hours or overnight.
• Make the caramel: Combine the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium pot over medium-low heat. Stir and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until the sugar dissolves and the caramel thickens, about 8 minutes.
• Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Transfer to a clean, heatproof container and cool.
• When ready to serve, cut the cheesecake into squares and drizzle with caramel. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Caramel options: For convenience, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. Get a brand you enjoy. You’ll need at least 1/2 cup.
• Cream cheese: Use full-fat, brick-style cream cheese to ensure a rich and creamy texture.

Kim - InsanelyGood

Hey there! I'm Kim. I love running, cooking, and curling up with a good book! I share recipes for people who LOVE good food, but want to keep things simple :)

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