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Best Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars: Easy Fall Dessert

Salted Caramel Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars - featured image
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Three layers of fall perfection: a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and brown sugar oat topping, all finished with a drizzle of homemade salted caramel. These bars are make-ahead friendly and deliver real apple flavor without a water bath.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (113g, 1 stick)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce blocks)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (16g)
  • 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (36g)
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (8g)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated if possible
  • ¾ cup old-fashioned rolled oats (70g)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar (100g, light or dark)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed (113g, 1 stick)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (42g)
  • ¼ cup heavy cream (60ml)
  • ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt (like Maldon)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on the long sides. Lightly spray with non-stick spray.
  2. Make the crust: In a food processor, combine 1½ cups flour, ½ cup sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Pulse to mix. Add cold, cubed butter and pulse until mixture looks like coarse sand with a few pea-sized butter pieces. Press evenly into prepared pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes until edges are just golden. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add ½ cup sugar and beat until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating on low just until incorporated. Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons flour, mix on low until just combined. Pour over cooled crust and spread evenly.
  4. Prepare the apples: In a medium bowl, toss diced apples with 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Let sit for 5 minutes. Spoon evenly over cheesecake layer.
  5. Make the crisp topping: In the same food processor, combine ¾ cup oats, ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Pulse to mix. Add cold butter and pulse until mixture forms clumps. Sprinkle evenly over apples without pressing down.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until edges are bubbly and topping is golden brown. If topping browns too quickly, tent with foil after 30 minutes. Cool completely in pan on wire rack (about 2 hours), then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  7. Make the salted caramel: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, spread ½ cup sugar in an even layer. Let melt without stirring, swirling occasionally until deep amber color (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in cubed butter. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking constantly. Whisk until smooth. Stir in ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt. Cool for 15 minutes.
  8. Assemble: Use parchment sling to lift bars onto cutting board. Cut into 12 squares with a sharp knife, wiping clean between cuts. Drizzle with salted caramel just before serving and sprinkle with extra flaky sea salt. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are essential for a smooth cheesecake. Chill overnight for clean slices. Caramel can burn quickly—watch carefully. Store bars in refrigerator for up to 5 days; keep caramel separate until serving. Freeze bars for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: salted caramel, apple crisp, cheesecake bars, fall dessert, apple dessert, cheesecake bars, easy dessert, holiday dessert

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/best-salted-caramel-apple-crisp-cheesecake-bars-easy-fall-dessert/