If you’re searching for the ultimate dessert mashup to dazzle your friends and family, Apple Cheesecake Bars might just steal the whole show. Imagine buttery graham cracker crust layered with silky cream cheese, sweet-tart apples kissed with cinnamon and nutmeg, and a golden oat streusel on top. Every bite strikes the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and fruity – making these bars the sort of treat you’ll crave year-round, not just in apple season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Apple Cheesecake Bars is how approachable the ingredients are. Each component plays a starring role, ensuring the final bars have just the right texture, color, and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need (and why!):
- Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation for the crust, offering a toasty, buttery crunch as a base for all that creamy goodness.
- Granulated sugar: Used in both the crust and cheesecake filling, it adds sweetness without overpowering the fresh apple flavor.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Brings moisture and richness to the crust while binding everything together.
- Cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the bars – be sure it’s softened for the smoothest filling!
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the apples and creamy cheese.
- Eggs: Essential for setting the cheesecake layer so the bars slice up cleanly.
- Peeled and finely diced apples (Granny Smith): Fresh apples add crispness, tartness, and a gorgeous pop of flavor.
- Ground cinnamon: The classic match for apples, warming every bite with cozy spice.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch deepens the autumn flavor profile.
- Light brown sugar: In the apple layer, it brings a hint of caramel richness.
- All-purpose flour: Key for the crumbly, rustic streusel topping.
- Rolled oats: Adds texture and chewiness to the streusel, making each bite more interesting.
- Packed brown sugar: Infuses the streusel with moisture and a beautiful golden hue.
- Cold unsalted butter (cubed): Makes the topping delightfully crumbly and crisp as it bakes.
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a generous overhang on two sides. This little trick makes it a breeze to lift the finished bars right out for slicing later.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like damp sand. Pour it into the prepared pan and press it down firmly and evenly. Bake the crust for 8 to 10 minutes until slightly golden and set, then let it cool just enough so it won’t melt your cheesecake filling.
Step 3: Creamy Cheesecake Filling
Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy (no lumps, please!). Next, blend in ½ cup granulated sugar and the vanilla extract. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, until everything is beautifully combined. Pour this luscious filling over the cooled crust, spreading it to the edges.
Step 4: The Apple Layer
In a clean bowl, gently toss your peeled, finely diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ¼ cup light brown sugar. Scatter the spiced apples evenly across the cheesecake filling so every square will have plenty of apple goodness in each bite.
Step 5: Whip Up the Streusel Topping
The grand finale! In another bowl, mix together the flour, oats, packed brown sugar, and cold cubed butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to work the butter in until the mixture is crumbly and the size of small peas. Sprinkle this streusel generously over the apples for texture and crunch.
Step 6: Bake and Chill
Bake your Apple Cheesecake Bars for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is a lovely golden brown. Pull them out of the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. For the dreamiest texture, pop the pan in the fridge for at least 2 hours before slicing into perfect bars and serving.
How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
A drizzle of caramel sauce is absolutely magical on these bars, adding a glossy finish and another layer of flavor. For crunch, a few toasted chopped pecans or walnuts make a beautiful addition, while a dusting of powdered sugar adds a hint of elegance.
Side Dishes
Serve your Apple Cheesecake Bars alongside fresh berries for a burst of brightness, or pair with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re feeling cozy, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes these bars a showstopper for any gathering.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bars into small bites for a holiday dessert tray, or cut them into generous squares, wrap individually, and include in a homemade dessert box. For parties, display them on a tiered cake stand surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for rustic charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Apple Cheesecake Bars are fully cooled and sliced, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay perfectly fresh for up to 4 days and are just as delicious chilled as they are at room temperature.
Freezing
If you need to make these in advance, wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let thaw in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Reheating
Although these bars shine when served chilled, you can gently warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds to soften them and enhance the apple aroma. If you prefer a crisper streusel, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and offer great flavor, feel free to experiment with Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a slightly sweeter spin on these Apple Cheesecake Bars.
What if I don’t have graham crackers?
No problem. You can easily swap in digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or even crushed shortbread cookies for the crust. Just be sure to adjust for sweetness as needed.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply use gluten-free graham crackers or oats, and substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour in the streusel. The bars remain just as scrumptious.
Do Apple Cheesecake Bars travel well?
They sure do! Chill the sliced bars then stack between layers of parchment in a sturdy container. These bars make perfect potluck or picnic treats as they hold their shape nicely once set.
What’s the best way to cut the bars for clean edges?
For beautifully neat squares, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts. Chilling the bars thoroughly is key to clean slicing!
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming up your next crowd-pleasing dessert, Apple Cheesecake Bars truly fit the bill. Each bar is a little celebration of cozy flavors and textures that everyone will adore. Give them a try and get ready to watch them disappear faster than you’d expect!
Print
Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 16 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious blend of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and buttery streusel with these irresistible Apple Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a sweet treat!
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
Apple Filling:
- 2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
Streusel Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
Instructions
- Graham Cracker Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Mix graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter. Press into pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Cool.
- Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Pour over crust.
- Apple Filling: Toss apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ¼ cup brown sugar. Spread over cheesecake layer.
- Streusel Topping: Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool, then chill for 2 hours before slicing into bars.
Notes
- Best with tart apples like Granny Smith
- Bars can be made a day ahead and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Serve chilled or slightly warmed with caramel drizzle
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
