Description
Deliciously rich and creamy apple cheesecake bars with a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake layer, a spiced apple topping, and a crunchy cinnamon streusel. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you want a sweet, fruity dessert with a creamy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the apple layer:
- 2 medium apples (peeled and finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the streusel topping:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove and let it cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake layer: While the crust is baking, beat softened cream cheese and sugar together in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
- Add the apple layer: In a separate small bowl, toss the finely diced apples with sugar and ground cinnamon until coated uniformly. Sprinkle the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Prepare the streusel topping: In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- Bake the bars: Place the assembled pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the center is set and the streusel topping is lightly golden brown. Once done, cool the bars completely on a wire rack.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cooled bars for at least 3 hours to set properly. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars from the pan, then slice into 16 bars before serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a better flavor contrast and to prevent the bars from becoming overly sweet.
- These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for easy entertaining.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened properly to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Press the crust firmly to prevent it from crumbling when cut.
