Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. . . a shortbread crust, a smooth cheesecake layer, finely chopped cinnamon apples and a sweet streusel topping. These are amazing!

If you already have your Thanksgiving dessert menu planned, you need to add these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars to your list ASAP.

You guys, I pinned this recipe over two years ago finally got around to making them. Ugh, why did it take me soooo long? These bars are absolutely unreal. I mean I figured they’d be good, but they blew us all away.

Let me just try and describe them to you. . . A perfectly sweet buttery crust is topped with a layer of smooth cheesecake, then topped with diced apples tossed in cinnamon & sugar and then sprinkled with an amazing cinnamon streusel topping (oh how I ♡ streusel topping).
Now if that wasn’t enough deliciousness for you, then you go and drizzle (or drench) the bars with caramel topping.

Yes, I’m in love with these and you will be too.Now feel free to leave the caramel off the top but why in the heck would you? These bars are guaranteed to be a winner and a crowd pleaser.

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

Crust:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened

Cheesecake Layer:

12 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Layer:

2 small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup quick cooking oats
1/4 cup butter, softened (almost melted)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Caramel topping

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender (or two forks) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into an 8x8-inch baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add the egg and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Streusel Topping. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until filling is set and/or a toothpick comes out clean. Drizzle with caramel topping.
Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.

Recipe Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled and made in a 9x13 pan.