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Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

A close-up of a single serving of apple cheesecake bars showing the crust, apple layer, cream cheese layer, and crumb topping.
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Make these easy apple crumble cheesecake bars that combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping, often finished with caramel.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples (like Granny Smith), peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt. Cut in 1/2 cup cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the apple layer: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with brown sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
  5. Spread half of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the partially baked crust. Top with the spiced apples. Dollop the remaining cheesecake mixture over the apples.
  6. Prepare the crumble topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup flour, oats, and 1/4 cup cold butter. Use your fingers to mix until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  7. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is mostly firm.
  8. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares.
  9. If using, drizzle the chilled bars with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance against the sweet cheesecake.
  • For a quicker preparation, you can use a graham cracker crust instead of the flour-based shortbread crust.
  • If you skip the caramel drizzle, these bars are still excellent on their own.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://whiskdaily.com/apple-cheesecake-bars/