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- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - ¼ cup granulated sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 ½ cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ½ cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup rolled oats - ¼ cup brown sugar - ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) The crust of these bars is simple. I mix graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar. This creates a sweet base. The cheesecake filling is rich and creamy. I blend cream cheese with sugar, then add eggs. The apples and cinnamon add a nice touch. For the streusel topping, I combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter. This makes a crunchy layer on top. Finally, I drizzle caramel sauce over the finished bars. Each bite offers a mix of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors. These ingredients come together to make a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. First, set your oven to 325°F (160°C). This heat helps cook the bars just right. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. In a bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted butter, and ¼ cup of sugar. Combine well. Press this mix into the bottom of your pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool for a bit. Take a large bowl and add 16 oz of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of sugar. Beat them together until smooth. Add 2 large eggs, one by one, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract next. Peel and dice about 2 medium apples until you have 1 ½ cups. Toss them in a small bowl with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Gently fold this apple mix into your cheesecake batter. Make sure it is spread evenly. Pour the cheesecake mixture over your cooled crust. Spread it out evenly. This helps ensure every bite is creamy and delicious. In another bowl, combine ½ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of rolled oats, ¼ cup of brown sugar, and ¼ cup of melted butter. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon too. Mix until it looks crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheesecake layer. Place your pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for the center to be set, while the edges should turn a light golden color. Once baked, let your cheesecake cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, put it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Before serving, drizzle ½ cup of caramel sauce over the top. Cut the chilled bars into squares. Serve them with an extra drizzle of caramel if you like. Each bite will be a sweet and creamy treat! To make a great crust, use fresh graham cracker crumbs. If you want, you can crush the crackers yourself. Mix them well with melted butter and sugar. Press this mix down firmly in the pan. Bake it for just 10 minutes to set it. Let it cool a bit before adding the filling. For a smooth cheesecake filling, use softened cream cheese. Beat it well with sugar until creamy. Add eggs one at a time and mix after each addition. This helps to avoid lumps. Toss in the apples with cinnamon before folding them into the batter. This adds flavor and texture. Make the streusel topping crunchy by mixing flour, oats, and brown sugar. Use melted butter and cinnamon for great taste. Mix until you see crumbs. Don’t worry if it looks loose; it will bake nicely. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cheesecake layer for the best results. For the caramel drizzle, you can use store-bought or homemade caramel sauce. If you want to make it from scratch, heat sugar in a pan until it melts. Add cream slowly and stir until smooth. Drizzle it over the cheesecake bars after they cool. It adds a sweet finish that everyone loves. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of these bars easily. Try using pumpkin puree in place of apples for a fall twist. Blend in some chocolate chips for a rich, sweet touch. You can also use other fruits like pears or berries. Each choice gives a new flavor and vibe to the bars. Toppings add fun to your bars. Try adding chopped nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work great. You can sprinkle chocolate chips on top for a sweeter taste. Another option is to add a sprinkle of sea salt with the caramel drizzle. This gives a nice contrast to the sweetness. If you need gluten-free options, swap the graham cracker crumbs for gluten-free crumbs. Many stores sell these. Use gluten-free oats for the streusel topping. Just make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy the bars without worry. To keep your caramel apple streusel cheesecake bars fresh, place them in an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to five days. Make sure the bars are completely cool before sealing them. This helps preserve their flavor and texture. You can freeze these cheesecake bars, too! First, cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you prefer warm cheesecake bars, you can gently reheat them. Place a square in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds. Check to see if it’s warm enough for you. Be careful not to overheat, as this can change the texture. Enjoy your treat warm or cold! Yes, you can! Other fruits work well, too. Try pears or berries for a twist. Just remember to adjust the spices to match your fruit. Look for a firm center and lightly golden edges. The bars should not jiggle when you shake the pan. Absolutely! You can make these bars a day ahead. Just chill them in the fridge until you are ready to serve. No worries! You can use crushed cookies or even crushed nuts instead. Just ensure they are finely ground for a good crust. These bars last about five days in the fridge. Keep them covered to maintain freshness. You learned about each step to make delicious cheesecake bars. We covered crust, filling, streusel, and caramel. I shared tips to make your bars perfect, no matter your taste. You can try fun variations and store leftovers well. Remember, it’s okay to experiment with flavors. Enjoy your baking and sharing with friends. These cheesecake bars can be a hit at any gathering. Use this guide to create a treat everyone will love. Happy baking!

Caramel Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the sweetness of Caramel Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars, a delicious fusion of flavors and textures! This recipe features a buttery graham cracker crust topped with creamy cheesecake and diced apples, finished with a crunchy streusel and a drizzle of rich caramel. Perfect for any occasion, these bars are sure to impress. Click through for the full recipe and treat your taste buds today!
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

For the cheesecake filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the streusel topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ cup rolled oats

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the caramel drizzle:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.

      Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

        Incorporate apples: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with the cinnamon. Gently fold the apple mixture into the cheesecake batter until evenly distributed.

          Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.

            Make the streusel topping: In another bowl, combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon. Mix until crumbly. Sprinkle this streusel mixture over the cheesecake layer.

              Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden.

                Cool and drizzle: Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before slicing into bars.

                  Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled with an additional drizzle of caramel if desired.

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours (including cooling time) | Servings: 16 bars