_Sips coffee while typing_
Oh. My. Goodness. Ladies (and gentlemen), let me tell you about this absolutely divine treat that’s been making everyone in my household go crazy! You know those moments when you’re craving something sweet, but you want it to be extra special? Well, honey, I’ve got just the thing for you – my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping. _chef’s kiss_
Trust me, this isn’t your basic dessert. It’s like autumn and heaven had a baby, and it’s absolutely perfect for those afternoon tea moments or when you want to impress your mother-in-law (we’ve all been there, right? 😉).
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the crust:
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup melted butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
For the filling:
– 3 packages cream cheese (room temperature)
– 3/4 cup sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
For the streusel topping:
– 1/2 cup flour
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
(BTW, if you’re loving this recipe already, make sure to follow me on NewsBreak for more mouth-watering treats that’ll make your family think you’ve secretly enrolled in culinary school! 😘)
Now, let’s get baking:
1. Preheat that oven to 350°F (because we’re about to get serious!).
1. Mix your graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and brown sugar. Press this mixture into a 9×13 baking pan. Pop it in the oven for 5 minutes to set.
1. In a large bowl (and with a lot of love), beat those cream cheese packages until they’re smooth and creamy. Add sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Beat until everything’s well combined and looking gorgeous.
1. Layer those chopped apples over your crust (isn’t this getting exciting?), then pour that heavenly cream cheese mixture over top.
1. For the streusel (my favorite part!), mix flour, brown sugar, and oats. Cut in the cold butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this goodness over your cheesecake layer.
1. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is almost set. Let it cool completely before drizzling with caramel sauce.
Y’all, the hardest part is waiting for it to cool – but trust your girl here, it’s worth every minute of anticipation!
Look, I’ve made a lot of desserts in my day (like, A LOT), but this one? It’s a total show-stopper. Every time I bring it to a gathering, people literally fight over the last piece. Not kidding!
If you’ve made it this far and you’re drooling (I know I am), don’t forget to follow me on NewsBreak for more recipes that’ll make your taste buds dance! And pretty please, drop a comment below telling me what you think about this recipe – did you try it? Did your family love it? Did your kids actually leave you any? 😂
Until next time, keep being sweet and fabulous in the kitchen! XOXO
