Description
These Easy Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topping for a delicious and visually appealing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Streusel Topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
Apple Layer:
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 2 medium-sized apples)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup butter (cold, diced)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal later.
- Make Streusel Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly and resembles damp sand. Set aside.
- Prepare Crust: In a food processor, pulse the flour, powdered sugar, and salt several times to combine. Add the cold diced butter and pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some small butter pieces remaining. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and press evenly to form the crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake the crust for 18–20 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the crust has set. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream, granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla extract, mixing until well blended. Add the egg and stir until just incorporated.
- Prepare Apple Layer: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Assemble Bars: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the baked crust. Layer the coated apples evenly on top of the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle the reserved streusel topping over the apples.
- Bake Assembled Bars: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Cool and Chill: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to firm up.
- Serve: Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy your delicious apple cheesecake bars!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Ensure the butter for the crust is cold to achieve a crumbly texture.
- Chilling the bars before serving helps them to hold their shape when cut.
- You can customize the streusel topping by adding chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cheesecake bars, easy dessert bars, streusel topping dessert, baked cheesecake bars, apple dessert bars
