Description
These Easy Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, a sweet cinnamon apple layer, and a crumbly streusel topping for a delightful dessert. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a comforting, fruity treat, these bars bake to golden perfection and are chilled for a firm, sliceable texture.
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
For the 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
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Prepare Streusel Topping: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on two sides for easy lifting later. In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon until combined. Stir in melted butter until mixture is crumbly like damp sand. Set aside.
- Make Crust: In a food processor, pulse flour, powdered sugar, and salt a few times. Add cold diced butter and pulse until texture resembles coarse crumbs with small butter pieces. Transfer mixture into prepared pan and press evenly to form crust.
- Bake Crust: Bake crust for 18–20 minutes until edges are lightly golden and crust is set. Remove from oven and let cool slightly while preparing filling.
- Prepare Cheesecake Filling: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add heavy cream, granulated sugar, flour, and vanilla extract and mix until well blended. Add egg and stir just until incorporated.
- Prepare Apple Layer: In a small bowl, toss diced apples with cinnamon, granulated sugar, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
- Assemble Bars: Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over baked crust. Layer coated apples evenly over the cheesecake filling. Sprinkle reserved streusel topping over the apples.
- Bake Bars: Bake for 35–40 minutes until center is set and top is lightly golden. Remove from oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate bars for at least 2 hours to firm up. Use parchment overhang to lift bars from pan, slice into squares, and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened for a smooth filling without lumps.
- Chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing ensures clean, firm pieces.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar over the bars just before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cheesecake bars, streusel topping, easy dessert bars, fall dessert, creamy cheesecake bars, apple dessert recipe
