Save A luscious fusion of creamy cheesecake, tender spiced apples, and a buttery muffin base, all topped with a decadent caramel drizzle. Perfect for autumn gatherings or as a special treat year-round.
I first made these muffin bars for a family get-together in October, and they disappeared within hours. Everyone loved how the caramel mingled with the creamy cheesecake and apple layers.
Ingredients
- Muffin Base: 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (melted), 1 large egg, 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Cheesecake Layer: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Apple Topping: 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, diced), 2 tbsp light brown sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1 tsp lemon juice
- Crumb Topping: 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- Caramel Drizzle: 1/4 cup (60 ml) store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Muffin Base:
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, egg, milk, and vanilla. Stir wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Spread evenly in the prepared pan.
- Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Spread gently over the muffin base.
- Apple Topping:
- Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Evenly distribute over the cheesecake layer.
- Crumb Topping:
- Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over apples.
- Baking:
- Bake for 38–42 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Cool completely in the pan.
- Finish:
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing into bars.
Save My kids now request these caramel apple cheesecake muffins for every holiday. Sharing them together has become the start of a new tradition in our home.
Required Tools
8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, hand mixer or stand mixer, whisk, spatula, knife and cutting board, parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (cream cheese, butter), Egg, Wheat (flour). Caramel sauce may contain milk. Always check product labels for potential cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 290, Total Fat: 15 g, Carbohydrates: 36 g, Protein: 4 g (per serving)
Save These bars are a show-stopping dessert with layers of flavor. Serve chilled for the best texture and taste.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith are ideal, providing flavor balance against the sweet layers.
- → Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes, homemade caramel offers a richer taste. Melt sugar, butter, and cream for a smooth sauce.
- → How do I ensure bars set properly?
Cool bars completely in the pan before removing. This helps the creamy layer firm up for neat slicing.
- → What is the best way to serve?
Bars can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Drizzle caramel just before serving for freshness.
- → How long can leftovers be stored?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days. Enjoy within this timeframe for best texture.