Description
These Gluten Free Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, spiced apple layer, and a crunchy oat topping for a delightful dessert perfect for fall or any occasion. Baked to golden perfection and chilled for creamy texture, they are drizzled with caramel sauce for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Layer
- 2 cup apples, diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold
- ¼ tsp salt
For Serving
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in the flour and salt until just combined; the mixture will be crumbly. Press the crust evenly into a greased 9×13 inch pan and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing well until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the apple layer: Toss the diced apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon to evenly coat them.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, combine oats, all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture becomes crumbly and resembles coarse crumbs.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Layer the spiced apples on top of the cheesecake filling. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake: Bake the assembled bars in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the topping is lightly golden brown.
- Cool and chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate them for at least 3 to 4 hours, which helps them set properly before cutting.
- Serve: Cut the chilled bars into squares and drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth filling.
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
- Chilling the bars helps them firm up and makes them easier to cut cleanly.
- Store bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- For gluten-free variation, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Low heat baking step for crust prevents overbrowning before adding creamy filling and topping.
