Description
Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, and a crunchy oat crumble, perfect for a sweet treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crumble Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until set, then allow it to cool.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing well to incorporate. Pour this cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust.
- Mix Apple Topping: Toss the diced peeled apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl until coated evenly. Spread this apple mixture uniformly over the cheesecake layer.
- Create the Crumble Topping: Combine flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold cubed butter using a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble evenly on top of the apples.
- Bake the Bars: Place the baking pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the cheesecake is set and the crumble topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from oven and let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing into 12 squares for serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Press the crust firmly and evenly to prevent crumbling when cutting.
- Allow the bars to chill well to make slicing easier and improve texture.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
