Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) cold butter, cubed
For the Cheesecake:
- 2 packages (8 oz each) softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
For the Apples:
- 3 peeled and finely chopped Granny Smith apples
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the Streusel Topping:
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 5 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
Instructions:
Preparing the Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and either spray a 9×13 baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Making the Crust:
- In a small bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cold butter. Mix until crumbly, press into the baking pan, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned.
Creating the Cheesecake Layer:
- While the crust is baking, beat together cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and eggs until smooth and combined.
Adding Apples:
- Toss the chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated.
Layering:
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooked crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the spiced apples on top.
Adding Streusel Topping:
- For the streusel, combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle it evenly over the apples.
Baking:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are set, and the middle is slightly firm.
Cooling & Drizzling:
- After removing it from the oven, cool it on a rack, and drizzle it with caramel sauce. Let it cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 3 hours.
Conclusion:
Delight in the flavors of fall with our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars – a divine combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and buttery streusel. The drizzle of caramel sauce adds the perfect finishing touch to this scrumptious autumn treat. Enjoy the warmth and sweetness of the season! #CaramelAppleCheesecake #FallDesserts #AutumnIndulgence