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