Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 blocks (8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- For the Shortbread Crust (Option A):
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cold butter, cubed
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- Pinch of salt
- OR for the Graham Cracker Crust (Option B):
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- For the Apple Topping:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup sugar
- 6 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper.
- Make the crust: Combine shortbread or graham cracker ingredients. Press firmly into the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- Prepare cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar and vanilla, then eggs one at a time. Mix until just combined. Pour over cooled crust.
- Make apple topping: Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and flour. Evenly sprinkle over cheesecake layer without pressing down.
- Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
- Cool at room temp for 1 hour, then refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Make caramel sauce: Melt sugar in a pan. Add butter and stir, then add cream. Stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
- Drizzle caramel over chilled bars before serving. Optional: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture. Chill completely before slicing to get clean, bakery-worthy bars. For shortcuts, store-bought crust and caramel work in a pinch.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg