Description
These Gluten Free Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crust with a creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, and a crunchy oat streusel. Perfectly balanced with sweet and tart flavors, these bars are a delightful dessert for any occasion, featuring a luscious caramel drizzle for an extra indulgent touch.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
For the Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free 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 softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in gluten-free flour and salt until combined; the mixture will be crumbly. Press it evenly into a greased 9×13 inch pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy and well combined.
- Prepare the apple layer: Toss diced apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a separate bowl until apples are evenly coated.
- Make the topping: In another bowl, combine old-fashioned oats, gluten-free flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Assemble the bars: Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust and spread evenly. Distribute the coated apple pieces evenly over the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake the assembled bars: Return to the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the topping is lightly golden.
- Cool and chill: Allow bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3–4 hours to set fully.
- Serve: Cut into 14 bars and drizzle each generously with caramel sauce before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to keep the bars gluten-free.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth cheesecake filling.
- Chilling bars before serving helps the cheesecake layer firm up for clean slicing.
- Substitute apples with pears or other firm fruits if desired.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
