Ingredients
Scale
- For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Apple Filling:
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- For the Streusel Topping:
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for drizzling)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides so you can easily lift the bars out later. Lightly grease the parchment with non-stick cooking spray.
- Step 2: Mix and Bake the Shortbread Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and brown sugar. Cut in the softened butter using a pastry blender or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are very lightly browned.
- Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: While the crust bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat just until combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the warm, pre-baked crust and spread it evenly.
- Step 4: Toss the Spiced Apples: In a separate small bowl, toss the finely chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure every piece of apple is well-coated in the spice mixture. Spoon the apples evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer.
- Step 5: Create and Add the Streusel Topping: In another bowl, mix the brown sugar, flour, and oats. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to incorporate the cold, cubed butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle this topping generously over the apple layer.
- Step 6: Bake, Chill, and Serve: Bake the bars for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the streusel topping is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) to allow the cheesecake to firm up. Before serving, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper, drizzle with caramel sauce, and slice into squares.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes