Description
These decadent Caramel Pear Cheesecake Bars are a beautiful marriage of textures, combining a buttery shortbread base with a silky smooth cheesecake layer, tender spiced pears, and a crunchy oatmeal crumble. Infused with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a rich caramel drizzle, this dessert is perfect for festive gatherings or cozy autumn weekends. It is an elevated, sophisticated take on a classic fruit crisp that works perfectly as a make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
2 cups shortbread cookie crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 ripe pears, peeled and diced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons butter, chilled and cubed
1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.
Mix shortbread crumbs, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 4 tablespoons melted butter; press into the pan and bake for 10 minutes.
Whisk cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth; spread over the partially baked crust.
Toss diced pears with cinnamon and nutmeg; layer over the cheesecake filling.
Combine oats, brown sugar, and chilled butter in a bowl to create a crumble; sprinkle over the pears.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until set and the crumble is golden.
Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Drizzle with caramel sauce before slicing into bars.
Notes
Make sure to use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer. These bars set best when chilled thoroughly, making them an excellent choice for preparing a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg