Description
Delight in these Apple Cheesecake Bars, a perfect fall dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced diced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping. Baked to golden perfection, these bars combine sweet and tart flavors with a rich texture, ideal for any occasion or cozy treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the cheesecake layer:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the apple layer:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare crust: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Make cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Pour this cheesecake batter evenly over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add apple layer: In a small bowl, combine the finely diced peeled apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Spoon this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, distributing it carefully to cover the surface.
- Prepare streusel topping: In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour, brown sugar, rolled oats, and cinnamon. Pour in melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly. Evenly sprinkle this streusel topping over the apple layer to create a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the assembled pan in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the streusel topping is golden brown. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill and serve: Once cooled, transfer the bars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to set fully. After chilling, slice into 12 bars and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a pleasant contrast to the sweet cheesecake layer.
- These bars can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to achieve a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
