Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars

Cream cheese, apple, and spiced oat layers combine for a comforting dessert bar with creamy, crunchy, and warmly spiced flavors in every bite.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite for its perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• Crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted, 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Cheesecake Layer: 8 ounces cream cheese softened, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Apple Filling: 2 medium apples peeled cored and diced, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Crisp Topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed

Instructions

Preheat oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Prepare crust:

Mix flour granulated sugar melted butter and salt in a medium bowl until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.

Make cheesecake layer:

Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract mixing until just combined. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust.

Prepare apple filling:

Toss diced apples with brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Make topping:

Combine flour oats brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cold cubed butter and blend with your fingers or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.

Bake:

Bake for 35 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.

Cool and chill:

Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into bars.

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Our family enjoys these bars as a special weekend treat after Sunday dinner.

Notes

For extra crunch add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking. Bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Required Tools

8x8-inch baking pan, Parchment paper, Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or whisk, Pastry blender or fork, Spatula, Knife for slicing

Nutritional Information

Per bar Calories 190 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 24 g Protein 2 g

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This dessert bar recipe is sure to impress with its layered flavors and textures beautifully balanced in every bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best?

Tart apples like Granny Smith offer a balanced sweetness and hold their shape well during baking.

→ Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Yes, the crust can be prepared and baked in advance to save time before assembling the layers.

→ How do I achieve a crisp topping?

Using cold, cubed butter mixed with oats and sugar creates coarse crumbs that bake into a crunchy, golden topping.

→ Should the bars be chilled before serving?

Chilling the bars for at least two hours helps them set, making slicing easier and maintaining their shape.

→ Can I add extra oats for more texture?

Adding an extra handful of oats to the crisp topping before baking boosts crunch and oats flavor.