Go Back
Homemade Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel photo

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel combine tart apples, creamy cheesecake, and rich caramel in a crunchy, irresistible dessert bar.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust:
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups apples peeled, chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
For the Streusel Topping:
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and diced
  • 1/2 cup oats

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch Baking Pan
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Electric mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Oven mitts

Method
 

Prepare the Crust
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs and 1/2 cup sugar. Pour in 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your 9x13-inch baking pan to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
  1. In a large bowl, beat 16 oz softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until fully combined.
Prepare the Apples
  1. Peel and chop 2 cups of apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Toss them with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to infuse warm spice throughout the fruit.
Assemble the Bars
  1. Spread half of the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust in the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon-spiced apples evenly over this layer. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Make the Streusel Topping
  1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup oats, and 1/4 cup cold, diced unsalted butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer.
Bake and Drizzle
  1. Bake the assembled bars at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the streusel is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, drizzle 1/2 cup caramel sauce generously over the top for a luscious finish.

Notes

  • Use cold butter for the streusel to maintain a crumbly texture and prevent melting during baking.
  • Toss apples with a little flour before layering to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
  • These bars can be made a day ahead and stored refrigerated or frozen for up to 2 months.