Description
Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars blend the comforting flavors of spiced apple pie with rich, creamy cheesecake and a crisp, buttery crust. This layered dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for fall baking, potlucks, or holiday get-togethers.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the crust and base:
2 cups all‑purpose flour
½ cup packed brown sugar
¾ cup cold butter, cut into cubes
For the cheesecake layer:
2 (8‑oz) packages cream cheese, softened (brick style, not the tub)
½ cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
For the apple topping:
3 medium apples (Granny Smith works great), peeled and chopped into ¼‑ to ½‑inch pieces
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (the remainder)
For the crumb topping:
¾ cup all‑purpose flour
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar
½ cup quick‑cook oats
⅓ cup cold butter, cut into cubes
Optional finishing touch:
Caramel sauce (for drizzling over the top when serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan.
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (about 175 °C). Line a 13×9‑inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang for easy lifting. Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray. - Make and bake the crust.
In a food processor, pulse together the 2 cups flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and cubed cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside (the pan will be hot, so be careful). - Prepare the cheesecake layer.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add ½ cup granulated sugar and the vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined (don’t overmix). Carefully spread the cheesecake batter over the warm crust. - Add the apples.
In a medium bowl, combine chopped apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and the remaining 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir until apples are nicely coated. Sprinkle this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. - Make the crumb topping.
In your food processor, combine ¾ cup flour, ¾ cup brown sugar, oats, and cubed butter. Pulse until crumbs form. Sprinkle this crumb topping evenly over the apples. - Bake until set.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set around the edges and just slightly jiggly in the center. Remove and let cool to room temperature. - Chill then slice.
Once cooled, transfer the bars to the refrigerator. Chill for at least a few hours (preferably overnight) to let flavors meld and ensure firm slices. When serving, lift bars out using the parchment overhang, slice, and drizzle with caramel sauce if desired.
Notes
Use firm apples like Granny Smith for best texture. Let the bars cool completely before chilling. Cut with a hot knife for clean slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 6 g