Description
Creamy cheesecake bars layered with cinnamon apples, crumbly streusel, and caramel drizzle — a cozy Thanksgiving dessert everyone loves.
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, softened
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Apples:
- 3 Granny Smith apples (about 3 cups), peeled, cored, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for topping after baking)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine flour and brown sugar for the crust. Blend in softened butter until crumbly, then press into a greased or lined 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 15 minutes, until lightly golden.
2. Using a mixer, blend cream cheese and sugar until creamy and lump-free. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla. Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust.
3. In a small bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated. Spoon apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.
4. Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and butter by hand until crumbly. Sprinkle evenly over the apples.
5. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until the center is set. Cool completely on a rack, then chill at least 2 hours.
6. Warm caramel slightly and drizzle over chilled bars. Let rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best flavor balance. Chill bars before slicing for neat edges. For extra flavor, add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel drizzle.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American