Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
If you’re looking for a sweet treat that marries the coziness of apple pie and the luxurious creaminess of cheesecake, these Apple Cheesecake Bars are about to steal your heart. Their crumbly crust, creamy filling, spiced apple layer, and golden oat streusel come together for a dessert you’ll be proud to share at any gathering. Whether for fall festivities or an anytime indulgence, Apple Cheesecake Bars satisfy the craving for both comfort and a touch of elegance in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Apple Cheesecake Bars lies in a handful of staple ingredients, each one carefully chosen for its role: the structure, richness, warmth, or crunch it brings. With just a quick trip to the pantry, you’ll be ready to create dessert bar perfection in no time!
- All-purpose flour: Essential for both the base and the crumbly streusel, creating structure and tenderness.
- Firmly packed light brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and an irresistibly chewy, caramel-like sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (room temperature): Gives a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture to both the crust and streusel.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): The star of the filling—smooth, tangy, and wonderfully creamy.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake and the apple layer without overwhelming their flavors.
- Large egg (room temperature): Binds the cheesecake filling, ensuring a luscious, cohesive bite.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds a fragrant, classic note to the creamy layer.
- Small apples (peeled, cored, and chopped): Bring natural sweetness and a hint of tartness, making the bars juicy and fresh.
- Ground cinnamon: Echoes the nostalgic warmth of apple pie and enhances the apples’ flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): For those who love a gentle, spicy undertone—just a pinch is perfect.
- Rolled oats: Add a wholesome chew and rustic character to the crumbly topping.
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350° F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing a slight overhang on two sides—this way your Apple Cheesecake Bars lift out like a dream for clean, easy slicing later.
Step 2: Make the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and brown sugar. Add the room temperature butter and use a pastry blender (or two forks if you prefer old-school charm) to cut the butter in, until the mixture looks crumbly and holds together when pressed. Evenly press the crust into the bottom of your prepared pan, making sure it’s firmly packed for maximum buttery goodness. Bake for about 12 to 14 minutes, until it’s just starting to turn a pretty light golden hue.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
While the crust bakes, grab a large mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese together with the granulated sugar until it’s luxuriously smooth and creamy—this should only take about a minute. Next, mix in the egg and a splash of vanilla extract, blending just until smooth. Pour this irresistible filling over your slightly cooled crust, and smooth it out with a spatula.
Step 4: Prep the Apple Layer
In a small bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and chopped apples with a tablespoon of granulated sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg if you’re using it. This magical mix should smell like autumn and coziness itself! Distribute the spiced apple mixture evenly over your cheesecake layer for a touch of tart and a burst of freshness in every bar.
Step 5: Make and Add the Streusel Topping
For the crowning glory: in another small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Add the butter, and incorporate it either with a wooden spoon or (even better!) just use your clean hands to gently squeeze and work it in, creating sweet, buttery clumps. Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the apple layer, covering it edge to edge for that signature crispy, crumbly finish.
Step 6: Bake and Chill
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes—look for a golden-streusel top and a gently set cheesecake layer underneath. Let your bars cool in the pan at room temperature, then transfer them to the refrigerator for at least 3 hours to set up perfectly. Serve them cold for bars that slice beautifully and taste heavenly.
How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
A little garnish can take your Apple Cheesecake Bars from simple to showstopping. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra flourish, a sprinkle of toasted nuts (like pecans or walnuts) can add both crunch and visual flair.
Side Dishes
While these bars are wonderfully satisfying all on their own, pairing them with a cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee, black tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream can make dessert feel like a true celebration. If you’re hosting, serve them alongside a platter of fresh fruit for a lighter touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Apple Cheesecake Bars are perfect for parties—try cutting them into bite-sized squares and arranging them on a tiered stand for a sweet finger-food display. For a unique twist, tuck a bar into a festive cupcake liner, or even stack two at a jaunty angle with a cinnamon stick on the side as an edible “gift!”
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Apple Cheesecake Bars store beautifully in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with a piece of wax or parchment paper to keep the streusel intact. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days—perfect for late-night cravings!
Freezing
If you want to make your Apple Cheesecake Bars ahead or just save a few for later, freezing is a great option. Simply wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.
Reheating
These bars are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but if you want that just-baked vibe, a quick 10 seconds in the microwave is all you need to slightly soften the cheesecake and warm the apples without melting the streusel topping.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for Apple Cheesecake Bars?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well when baked and provide a lovely contrast to the sweet and creamy cheesecake layer. However, any apple you love for baking will work deliciously!
Can I make Apple Cheesecake Bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains exactly the same.
How do I know when the bars are fully baked?
Look for a lightly golden streusel and a set (but slightly jiggly) center when you gently shake the pan. Overbaking can cause the cheesecake to dry out, so keep a close eye during the last 5 minutes of baking time.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the recipe?
Of course! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a delectable crunch, and a handful of raisins or dried cranberries mixed into the apple layer creates an extra layer of texture and flavor. Just make sure not to overload the filling so the bars remain easy to slice and serve.
Do Apple Cheesecake Bars need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese filling, these bars should be chilled both to set properly and for food safety. They taste best served cold, straight from the fridge, which also makes them super convenient for make-ahead treats!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to share these Apple Cheesecake Bars with friends or family—they’re a true testament to how a few humble ingredients can make something utterly comforting and special. Give these bars a try and watch them disappear from the plate, one creamy, spiced, crumbly square at a time!
Print
Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery streusel topping, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Layer:
- 1 1/2 cups cream cheese (room temperature)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Layer:
- 2 small apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make crust: Combine flour, brown sugar, and butter. Press into pan and bake until golden.
- Make cheesecake mixture: Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla. Pour over crust.
- Prepare apple layer: Mix apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread over cheesecake layer.
- Make streusel topping: Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon, and butter. Sprinkle over apples.
- Bake bars: Bake for 35-40 minutes until set. Chill before serving.
Notes
- You can use any variety of apples you prefer.
- For a more pronounced nutty flavor, add chopped nuts to the streusel topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Apple Cheesecake Bars, Dessert, Cheesecake Recipe, Apple Recipe, Streusel Topping
