Lu-Ann Simon October 18, 2025

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Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1 cup salted butter, softened; 1/2 cup quick cooking oats; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 3 cups); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 bricks full-fat cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs + 2 yolks; 1 cup sour cream; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup salted butter; 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temp

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There’s something truly magical about the aroma of caramel, apples, and warm spices wafting through the kitchen, especially when fall settles in and cozy gatherings become frequent. The Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping are everything you’d dream of in a dessert: creamy, rich, and perfectly sweet, with a delightful crunch on top. They are a wonderful addition to any autumn celebration, from Thanksgiving feasts to family bonfire nights, or simply as a comforting treat at the end of a long day.

Reasons to Adore Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

These delightful bars combine the familiar flavors of fall into a soft cheesecake and a chewy crust, all topped with a buttery streusel. They offer a sensory experience that is as pleasing to the taste buds as it is to the eye.

Here are just a few reasons to love this recipe:

The creamy, rich cheesecake is perfectly balanced with the tartness of Granny Smith apples.
The streusel topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth filling.
Caramel drizzled on top elevates this dessert into a decadent treat.

Gather These Ingredients

Before jumping into the delightful process of baking, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients you’ll be using. Each component plays a vital role in creating these luscious bars, and some swaps can be made based on your preferences.

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup salted butter, softened
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup salted butter, softened
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 3 cups)
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 bricks full-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs + 2 yolks
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/4 cup salted butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream, room temp
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Step by Step to Create Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Cooking these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping is straightforward and satisfying. Follow these steps to make your own batch of joy!

First, preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. With a pastry blender, cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Firmly press the mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Set aside to cool while you work on the other components.
Make the streusel: While the crust is baking, use the same bowl to mix together the brown sugar, flour, oats, softened butter, and cinnamon with a fork until crumbly. Cover and set this mixture in the refrigerator to chill.
Make the apples: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring the apples are well-coated. This will give them a delightful flavor and soft texture. Set aside.
Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to incorporate all ingredients. Then, add the eggs and yolks one at a time with the mixer set to low speed. Finally, blend in the sour cream and vanilla until everything is well-combined.
Assemble: Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the cheesecake filling over it, spreading evenly. Stir the apple mixture gently once more, then spoon it over the cheesecake layer. For the final touch, toss the streusel to separate any clumps and spread it generously over the apples.
Bake: Place the assembled tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. Next, reduce the temperature to 300°F and continue baking for an additional 40 to 45 minutes, until the edges are set and the center jiggles lightly. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the counter. Once cool, cover and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or ideally overnight to set fully.
Make the caramel: In a medium pot over medium-low heat, combine the salted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir until you bring it to a gentle simmer, cooking until the sugar fully dissolves and the caramel thickens — this should take about 8 minutes.
Finish up: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the vanilla. Transfer to a heatproof container and let it cool down. When you’re ready to serve, cut the cheesecake into squares, drizzle each piece with warm caramel, and then enjoy this heavenly creation!

Prep ~ 25 minutes, Cook ~ 1 hour, Total ~ 1 hour and 25 minutes, Servings ~ 12, Kcal ~ 350 (per serving)

Plan Ahead

If you want to prepare these scrumptious bars in advance, the good news is that most of the components can be made ahead. Simply bake the crust and prepare the cheesecake filling in advance. Store the filling in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble. The streusel can be made the day before and kept chilled. Once ready, just layer everything up and pop it in the oven! These treats can be served at room temperature or chilled, offering you flexibility when hosting guests or to fit your schedule.

How to Store Leftovers

Once you’ve devoured your delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping, you might have some leftovers. These bars should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they can stay fresh for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze individual squares. To reheat, place them in your microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, just enough to warm them without melting the cheesecake. For best freshness, eat frozen leftovers within three months.

Perfect Pairings

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping are divine on their own, but they pair beautifully with several delightful accompaniments:

Serve with whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the dense bars.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices perfectly.
Pair with a spiced chai latte for a cozy, indulgent treat.
Drizzle with more caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas to play around with:

Substitute the Granny Smith apples for Pears if you’re looking for a softer texture and sweeter taste.
Switch to a gluten-free flour mix if you’re accommodating dietary restrictions.
Use different nuts in the streusel for added crunch, like pecans or walnuts.
Experiment with flavored cream cheese, such as pumpkin spice or cinnamon cream cheese, for a unique twist.
Add dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips for Best Results

To elevate your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping to perfection, keep these tips in mind:

Ensure that all ingredients are room temperature for smoother mixing.
Use a toothpick to check doneness, as the middle should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
After baking, allow the bars to cool gradually before refrigerating so the texture sets nicely.
For perfect slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Your Questions, Answered

Here are some common questions about making these delightful bars:

Can I use different types of apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples provide tartness, you can mix varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for sweetness and flavor depth.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for sour cream, providing a tangy taste and creamy texture.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The edges should be set and the center slightly jiggly; it will firm up as it cools in the refrigerator.
Is there a vegan alternative for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based version and replace eggs with flax eggs or unsweetened applesauce.
Can I make this recipe without a mixer?
You can mix by hand, just ensure your cream cheese is soft for easier blending.

Final Thoughts

These Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping are not only a blissful combination of flavors and textures but also a heartfelt dish that brings warmth and comfort to your gatherings. Whether for a celebration or just a treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to delight. So gather your ingredients and get baking — your taste buds will thank you!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Author: lu-ann
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy and rich cheesecake bars infused with the flavors of caramel and tart Granny Smith apples, topped with a delightful buttery streusel.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the softened butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the prepared pan and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
Make the streusel: In the same bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, oats, softened butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Chill in the refrigerator.
Make the apples: Combine chopped apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Set aside.
Prepare the filling: Beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in sour cream and vanilla.
Assemble: Pour cheesecake filling over the crust, spread apple mixture over it, and sprinkle with streusel topping.
Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F, then reduce to 300°F for 40 to 45 minutes until edges are set.
Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.
Make the caramel: In a medium pot, combine salted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Simmer for about 8 minutes until thickened.
Drizzle warm caramel over cooled cheesecake, cut into squares, and serve.