Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars (Print Version)
Cream cheese, apple, and spiced oat layers combine for a comforting dessert bar in every bite.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Crust
01 -
1 cup all-purpose flour
02 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 -
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Cheesecake Layer
05 -
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
06 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
07 -
1 large egg
08 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Apple Filling
09 -
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
10 -
2 tablespoons brown sugar
11 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 -
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
13 -
1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Crisp Topping
14 -
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
15 -
1/3 cup rolled oats
16 -
1/3 cup brown sugar
17 -
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
# How to Make It:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal.
02 -
In a medium bowl, combine all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter until a crumbly dough develops. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
03 -
Using a bowl and electric mixer or whisk, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the egg and vanilla extract; blend until just combined. Pour and spread evenly over the baked crust.
04 -
In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to evenly coat. Distribute the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
05 -
In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add cold, cubed butter and work into the dry mixture using fingers or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apple layer.
06 -
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and the center is set. Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
For optimal flavor, select tart apple varieties like Granny Smith. Chopped pecans or walnuts can be added to the topping for extra crunch. Serve cold or at room temperature, with an optional drizzle of caramel sauce or dollop of whipped cream.