Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars bring together the rich flavors of cheesecake and the warm essence of apple pie. They feature a creamy filling, a golden crust, and a sweet streusel topping, all drizzled with luscious salted caramel. This delicious dessert is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors of apple pie and cheesecake together in one bite. The combination of the creamy cheesecake, tart apples, and sweet caramel creates a delightful taste experience. Plus, it’s an easy dessert to make ahead of time, making it a great choice for parties or special occasions.

How to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Making these bars is simple and fun! Follow the steps below, and you’ll have a delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 packages brick-style cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch pieces
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup salted caramel sauce
Flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper.
For the crust, mix the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Press this mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 8 minutes.
For the filling, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Then mix in the sour cream, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the flour, heavy cream, brown sugar, spices, and fold in the apples.
Pour the filling over the baked crust.
For the streusel topping, mix the brown sugar, granulated sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Add the softened butter and mix until it forms clumps. Sprinkle this mixture over the filling.
Bake in the oven for 50 minutes. Let the bars cool for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 5 hours.
Before serving, drizzle with salted caramel and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

These bars are best served chilled. Cut them into squares and serve them on a nice platter. You can add extra salted caramel on top and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Store the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to avoid freezer burn.

Tips to Make Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Make sure all your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
Don’t rush the cooling process; chilling the bars is important for setting the filling.
Feel free to swap Granny Smith apples with your favorite variety or a mix for different flavors.

Variation

For a fun twist, you can add nuts, like pecans or walnuts, to the streusel topping for extra crunch. Alternatively, consider using different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile.

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
A: Yes, using store-bought caramel sauce is convenient and can save time. Just drizzle it over the bars before serving.

Q: How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done?
A: The center should be set but still slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A: You can try substituting dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives, like vegan cream cheese and coconut cream.