Ingredients
Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature, 16 Tbsp)
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 blocks (8 oz. each) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Apple Filling
- 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Streusel Topping
- 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened, 4 Tbsp)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
Finishing
- 3 Tbsp caramel sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and cleanup.
- Make the crust: In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Add 1 cup room temperature unsalted butter and work the mixture with your hands or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Press the crumbs firmly and evenly into the prepared pan to form the crust. Set aside.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: In another large bowl, beat together 3 blocks cream cheese, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 cup sugar, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth and combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the crust.
- Prepare apple filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith apples with 2 Tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Mix gently and spread evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Make streusel topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 4 Tbsp softened butter, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Work the mixture together until it forms coarse crumbs. Stir in 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts.
- Assemble topping: Sprinkle the streusel topping evenly over the apples and cheesecake layer.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The center should remain slightly jiggly but the edges should be set and golden.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let cool completely for at least 2 hours to set properly.
- Finish and serve: Once cooled, cut into 12 squares. Drizzle each bar with about 1/4 teaspoon of caramel sauce before serving. Enjoy your delightful Caramel Apple Bars with friends and family!
Notes
- For easiest slicing, chill bars in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after cooling at room temperature.
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness, which balances the sweet and creamy layers well.
- Make sure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slightly before serving or enjoy chilled.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
