Apple cheesecake bars are layers of shortbread crust, cheesecake filling, sliced apples and cinnamon streusel topping. This dessert recipe is perfect for fall!
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
1tablespoongranulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinchof 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
¼teaspoonground cinnamon
1/4 cup (56 g or 1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line an 8x8-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!
Notes
Best apple for baking: Granny Smith or Honey Crisp work best for baking.Store apple cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.How to freeze apple cheesecake bars: Once the bars have been chilled, wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Defrost in the refrigerator before serving.