Salted Caramel Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars
These delightful cheesecake bars combine the creamy richness of cheesecake with spiced apples and a crunchy crumble, all topped with salted caramel sauce for an irresistible fall treat.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer
- 2 packages cream cheese, softened Rich and creamy, the perfect base for our cheesecake layer.
- 1 cup granulated sugar Sweetness that balances the tartness of the apples.
- 2 large eggs Binding the cheesecake together for a silky texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Adds a warm and inviting flavor.
Apple Layer
- 3 medium apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced Juicy and aromatic, apples provide a sweet and tangy contrast.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Brightens the apple flavor and prevents browning.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon Earthy and fragrant, it perfectly complements the apples.
- ¼ cup brown sugar Adds a deeper sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour The essential base for our crumble.
- ½ cup rolled oats Gives the crumble a hearty, chewy texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar Utilizes brown sugar for a lovely caramel-like flavor in the crumble.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon A welcome repetition of flavor to harmonize the dish.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted Binds the crumble ingredients together while enhancing their rich texture.
Final Touch
- ½ cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) The crowning jewel providing a luscious, sweet finish.
- to taste Sea salt for sprinkling A final touch to enhance all the flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of your ingredients. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Then, one at a time, mix in the eggs, followed by the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the ingredients begin to clump together, forming a crumbly topping.
Assembly
- Layer half of the crumble mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the top, then add a layer of the spiced apple mixture.
- Finish with the remaining crumble mixture, sprinkling it generously over the apples.
Baking
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the edges are set while the center still has a slight jiggle.
- Cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight.
Serving
- Before serving, drizzle the warmed salted caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with a touch of sea salt.
Notes
For the best flavor, let the cheesecake bars chill overnight in the fridge. If you prefer a gooier caramel layer, drizzle the caramel right before serving instead of baking it with the bars. Experiment with different apples like Fuji or Braeburn for variation. To make slicing easier, use a warm knife dipped in hot water before cutting into the chilled cheesecake bars.