Description
These rich, layered dessert bars combine creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, buttery streusel, and a caramel drizzle. A perfect fall treat or holiday dessert that’s easy to make ahead.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the apple layer:
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
For the streusel topping:
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For topping:
1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool slightly.
Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla. Pour over crust.
Make the apple layer: Toss chopped apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Spread evenly over cheesecake layer.
Make the streusel: Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in cubed butter until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle over apples.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing into bars. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for extra crunch.
Swap graham crackers for Biscoff or shortbread for a different crust flavor.
Use apple pie spice in the apple mixture for a more robust fall flavor.
Lighten it up with reduced-fat cream cheese and less sugar—it still turns out delicious.
For a maple twist, drizzle with maple glaze instead of caramel.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
