Apple Cheesecake Bars
Apple cheesecake bars are layers of shortbread crust, cheesecake filling, sliced apples and cinnamon streusel topping. This dessert recipe is perfect for fall!
We had our first 60 degree day in Connecticut last week and you know what that means… fall baking! I whipped up these apple cheesecake bars with streusel topping to welcome the fall weather.
Have I ever told you my theory of fall desserts? I believe that apples desserts should come first before all the pumpkin spice desserts. It makes sense, right? Apples are in season in September, while pumpkins are seen more in October and November. I baked apple cheesecake bars to welcome fall with open arms.
How to make apple cheesecake bars
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Make the crust: Combine ingredients, press mixture into prepared pan and bake 12 to 14 minutes or until light golden in color.
- Make the cheesecake mixture: Use an electric mixer to beat together butter and sugar, then add egg and vanilla. Pour over crust.
- Prepare apple layer: In a small bowl, stir together apples with sugar and spices. Distribute evenly over cheesecake mixture.
- Make the streusel topping: Combine streusel ingredients (I suggest using your hands to work butter into dry ingredients). Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake 35-40 minutes, cool bars in the pan to room temperature, then transfer to refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Granny Smith and Honey Crisp are the best apples for baking. They hold their shape and texture while providing good flavor.
Apple cheesecake bars should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, once chilled, wrap the bars in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator before bringing to room temperature and serving.
Apple recipes for fall
Apples are in abundance this time of year, which makes it the perfect opportunity to try more apple recipes! One of my most popular recipes are these apple crisp bars. They taste just like my apple crisp, but in bar form. There is of course a classic apple pie recipe. It includes a homemade pie crust that is perfectly buttery and flaky.
Whether you’re welcoming fall with open arms just like me or simply love apple desserts, these apple cheesecake bars will undoubtedly be a hit.
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Get the Recipe: Apple Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (50 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (113 g or 1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
Cheesecake Filling
- 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apples Layer
- 2 small apples, peeled, cored and chopped¹
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of ground nutmeg, optional
Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup (100 g) firmly packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (62 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25 g) rolled oats
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (56 g or 1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and brown sugar. Add the butter and use a pastry blender (or two forks) to cut butter into mixture until crumbly. Press mixture evenly into prepared pan. Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until light golden in color.
- In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and 1/3 cup sugar using an electric mixer at medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute. Then add egg and vanilla. Beat to combine. Pour over warm crust.
- In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples (I suggest using an apple peeler), 1 tablespoon sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Distribute evenly over cheesecake mixture.
- In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, cinnamon and butter. Either stir ingredients together using a wooden spoon or, better yet, use your clean hands to combine the butter into the mixture.
- Sprinkle streusel topping evenly over the apple layer. Bake 35-40 minutes, or until streusel is light brown and filling is set. Let bars cool in the pan to room temperature, then transfer to refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours. Serve cold and enjoy!
