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posted by Christy Denneyon Sep 1, 2020 (updated Apr 27, 2023) 562 comments »
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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars start with a shortbread crust, a thick cheesecake layer, and are topped with diced cinnamon apples and a sweet streusel topping. These are a tried and true cheesecake bar dessert recipe.
CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS
For me, September is all about the apple!
I’ve been making this Paula Deen recipe for a couple of years now and they’ve always been good but they always needed a little more cheesecake filling in my opinion to match the thick crust and ample streusel topping.
So I increased the cheesecake filling and these are even better than I remember.
It may seem like a lot of steps but they actually come together quickly and are well worth your time.
These are always what I take when I’m feeding a crowd.
WHAT ARE IN THESE BARS?
These have a flaky shortbread crust, a simple cheesecake filling, and has cinnamon apples and a brown sugar streusel on top. Drizzle caramel sauce on top when serving. I like Mrs. Richardson’s caramel or any other brand that’s on the thicker side.
WHAT KIND OF APPLES SHOULD I USE?
I use Granny Smith green apples because they are a little more tart and the recipe is on the sweet side so it balances out. You can really use any apple you have on hand.
Add some cinnamon, sugar, and nutmeg to the apples.
The cheesecake layer goes on top of the shortbread crust.
Add the seasoned apples on top!
The crumble on top is pretty simple with some flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter.
Seems thick but melts down.
You know it’s done when it’s nice and golden brown.
You can add the caramel on top right before serving or before you chill them. This recipe is always requested any time I bring it anywhere.
HOW DO I STORE THESE?
After you have baked the bars let them cool to room temperature then store in the fridge up to 5 days. Some people like to eat these warm as well.
CAN I FREEZE THESE CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS?
Absolutely. You can freeze these caramel apple cheesecake bars up to four months. Just like most cheesecakes, this recipe freezes well. Just make sure to save the caramel topping for when serving.
OTHER APPLE RECIPES:
- Salted Caramel Apple Cups
- Apple Pie Caramel Apple
- Apple Pudding Cake
- Apple Crisp Pizza
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake
- Apple Crisp Cheese Danish
- Appledoodles
- Apple Salad
Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
4.50 from 713 votes
These creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars start with a shortbread crust, a thick cheesecake layer, and are topped with diced cinnamon apples and a sweet streusel topping.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 40 minutes mins
Total Time: 50 minutes mins
Servings: 24 bars
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Apples:
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped, (about 3 cups)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after baked
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or food processor (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan that is greased or lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
See AlsoBeef Stroganoff SoupIn a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.
For the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture. You can't use a food processor because it will grind up the oats.
Sprinkle Streusel topping over apples. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Let bars come to room temperature then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen up to 4 months.
Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool. Serve cold and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Source: adapted from Paula Deen. Increased the cheesecake layer by 1.5.
Serving: 1grams
Cuisine: American
Author: Christy Denney
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originally published on Sep 1, 2020 (last updated Apr 27, 2023)
562 comments Leave a comment »
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562 comments on “Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars”
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Edie — Reply
This recipe did not disappoint! The best of flavors – apple pie and cheesecake with the bit of crunch from the top layer of struesel yum!
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Christy Denney — Reply
Thank you!
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Peggy — Reply
I made these for my daughter in a 9×13 pan sprayed with PAM. She is telling me that the crust is glued to the bottom and the bars are coming out in chunks. Is there any way to salvage this? It was my first time making them.
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Christy Denney — Reply
Sorry! I’m not sure what happened. In the future you can use parchment paper.
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Working Mama — Reply
What size pan to use for the above measurements and timing?
If I double the recipe, what size pan and baking time?
Thanks!!
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Christy Denney — Reply
The directions list a 9×13 and have the cooking times!
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