Description
Decadent cheesecake bars layered with spiced apples and drizzled with caramel, perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 16 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: flaky sea salt for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment, leaving an overhang.
- Make the crust: Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and cool slightly.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated. Stir in vanilla. Pour cheesecake batter over the warm crust.
- Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Scatter over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.
- Warm caramel sauce and drizzle over the chilled bars before serving. Optionally, sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Notes
For clean edges, warm a knife under hot water before slicing. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American