Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a treat that perfectly balances creamy richness with sweet-tart fruit and a buttery crunch, then you’re in for a delightful experience with these Apple Cheesecake Bars! Imagine the blissful marriage of spiced apples, silky cheesecake, and a crumbly streusel topping, all resting on a classic graham cracker crust. These dessert bars are pure comfort—whether you’re hosting a fall gathering or just craving something special with your coffee, you’ll fall in love at first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All it takes is a handful of straightforward ingredients to create a dessert that looks and tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. Each component is chosen to bring out the best flavor and texture in your Apple Cheesecake Bars, from the pleasantly tart apples to the dreamy, creamy filling.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The classic base for a sturdy, flavorful crust with a touch of honey sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crust together while lending rich, buttery notes to every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to both the crust and the cheesecake filling for balance.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star of the show for that luscious, creamy texture in the cheesecake layer.
- Large eggs: Essential for setting the cheesecake, making it custardy yet sliceable.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor in the cream cheese filling and rounds out the recipe beautifully.
- Peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith): Tart apples give a pleasant contrast and hold their shape during baking.
- Ground cinnamon: That nostalgic, cozy spice that brings warmth and aromatic depth.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch provides an inviting complexity alongside the cinnamon.
- All-purpose flour: A little bit in the apple mixture keeps the bars from getting soggy, while more goes into the streusel for structure.
- Packed light brown sugar: The molasses notes in brown sugar deepen the fall flavor profile of the streusel topping.
- Unsalted butter (chilled and cubed): When cut into the streusel, it creates irresistible, crunchy crumbles as it bakes.
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat Your Oven
Get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or simply grease it lightly if you’re out of parchment. This crucial first step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures picture-perfect bars every time.
Step 2: Build the Buttery Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and two tablespoons of granulated sugar until evenly combined. Dump this mixture into your prepared pan, then press it down firmly—ideally with the bottom of a measuring cup—to create a tight, even crust. A good crust makes your Apple Cheesecake Bars truly portable and snackable!
Step 3: Make the Silky Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and half a cup of granulated sugar until totally smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for that subtle, comforting aroma. This luscious mixture gets spread evenly over your crust, forming the heart of the bars.
Step 4: Toss and Layer the Apples
Combine the diced apples in a separate bowl with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and just one tablespoon of flour. Toss to coat the apples thoroughly, which helps keep them juicy but firm throughout baking. Gently spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, making sure every square inch gets its share of fruity goodness.
Step 5: Top with Streusel and Bake
Whisk together the brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and cinnamon for the streusel topping. Using a fork or pastry cutter, cut in the chilled, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel generously over the apple layer. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is golden brown, filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 6: Cool, Chill, and Slice
Let the bars cool completely at room temperature—patience is key here to prevent cracks. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least two hours (or up to overnight) to allow the Apple Cheesecake Bars to set up perfectly for clean slicing and beautiful layers.
How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon are all fantastic options to make these bars look as mouthwatering as they taste. For special occasions, consider a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scattering of candied pecans to amplify both flavor and flair.
Side Dishes
These bars shine at the dessert table, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mug of hot spiced cider. For a holiday spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a tangy apple compote for a refreshing contrast to the rich layers of your Apple Cheesecake Bars.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve mini bars in cupcake liners for grab-and-go party treats or arrange them artfully on a rustic wooden board with other autumn desserts. You can even build a “dessert bar flight” by pairing bite-sized Apple Cheesecake Bars with a range of other cheesecake-inspired desserts for a memorable finale to any meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld even more as they sit, making the Apple Cheesecake Bars taste even richer and more harmonious on days two and three.
Freezing
These bars freeze beautifully! After they’re fully cooled and chilled, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to three months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying.
Reheating
For the best texture, enjoy your Apple Cheesecake Bars cold or at cool room temperature. However, if you want a slightly warm treat, zap an individual bar in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—just enough to take the chill off without melting the layers.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness and firm texture, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or even a combination for a nuanced apple flavor in your Apple Cheesecake Bars.
What can I add to the streusel for extra crunch?
Try tossing in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts before sprinkling the streusel over the apples. The nuts add a wonderful crunch and a toasty, nutty finish that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake.
Can these bars be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. The texture is just as scrumptious, making these Apple Cheesecake Bars accessible to everyone.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
Keep an eye out for a set center and a golden-brown streusel topping. Lightly jiggle the pan—the middle should move only slightly, much like a traditional cheesecake. If you’re unsure, a toothpick inserted near the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Of course! Simply double all ingredients and bake in two 9×13-inch pans, or use a larger sheet pan if you have one. These Apple Cheesecake Bars are always a hit, so having extra never hurts!
Final Thoughts
The comforting layers, warm spices, and irresistible textures of these Apple Cheesecake Bars are sure to win you over at first taste. Share them at your next family gathering or bake a batch for a cozy weekend at home—either way, you’ll be glad you tried this classic-meets-modern treat!
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Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and spiced apples with these scrumptious Apple Cheesecake Bars. A buttery graham cracker crust, a velvety cheesecake layer, spiced apples, and a sweet streusel topping make these bars a perfect fall dessert.
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Streusel Topping:
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease.
- Make the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the pan to form the crust.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla. Pour over the crust.
- Add the apple filling: Toss apples with spices and flour. Spread over the cheesecake layer.
- Add the streusel topping: Mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon. Cut in butter and sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes until set and golden. Cool, refrigerate, and slice before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith.
- Bars can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans to the streusel topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 16 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
