Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These creamy cheesecake bars feature a buttery crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a spiced apple topping, all drizzled with a rich caramel sauce. A perfect dessert for fall gatherings or whenever you crave something sweet.

Ingredients

Crust

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter softened

Filling

24 ounces cream cheese softened (3 cubes), softened
3/4 cup plus 2 T. granulated sugar divided
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apples

3 granny smith apples peeked, cored and chopped
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Toppiing

1 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup oats
1/2 cup butter softened
1/2 cup caramel topping

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cut in 1 cup softened butter with a pastry blender or 2 forks until the mixture becomes crumbly. May also use food processor. Press the mixture into a 9x13-inch pan lined with heavy-duty foil.
Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.
Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat 3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, and mix in 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust.
Prepare the apple topping: In a small bowl, stir together 3 chopped Granny Smith apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Make the topping: In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour, and 1/2 cup oats. Cut in 1/2 cup softened butter until the mixture becomes crumbly. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
Bake the bars: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set and the topping is golden brown.
Finish with caramel: Drizzle 1/2 cup caramel topping over the cooled bars. Let them cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

Apples: Granny Smith apples work best for this recipe due to their tartness, but you can substitute with other apples if preferred.
Caramel sauce: If you want a homemade touch, you can make your own caramel sauce, or simply use store-bought caramel topping for convenience.
Storage: Store any leftover bars in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.