Name: Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup rolled oats; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

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If you’re searching for the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and a buttery, crumbly topping, look no further than Apple Cheesecake Bars. These irresistible treats combine everything we adore about fall desserts—rich cream cheese, tart apples, and a golden graham cracker crust—into neat, shareable squares that always disappear fast at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want a cozy dessert for a night in, Apple Cheesecake Bars are guaranteed to win rave reviews and keep everyone coming back for seconds.

Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of familiar ingredients transform into show-stopping Apple Cheesecake Bars! Each element brings its own magic, contributing to a dessert that’s crisp, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

Graham cracker crumbs: Create a crunchy base that anchors every luscious bite.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right dose of sweetness to both crust and layers.
Unsalted butter (melted and cold): Melted for richness in the crust, cold for delicious, crumbly topping texture.
Cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the cheesecake layer; soften it for silky smoothness.
Eggs: Bind the cheesecake layer while making it light and custardy.
Vanilla extract: Fills the bars with fragrant, classic flavor—don’t skip it!
Apples (peeled, cored, and diced): Stars of the show; tart apples like Granny Smith work best to balance the sweetness.
Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that bring autumnal coziness to the apple topping.
Brown sugar: Enriches the crumble with a deep, caramel-like flavor.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the crumbly topping, making every bite irresistibly textured.
Rolled oats: Offer rustic charm and satisfying crunch to the crumble.

How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Preheat Your Oven

Start by lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal, and give it a light grease so nothing sticks. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) means you’re already a step ahead and ready to bake once your layers are set.

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything’s moist and sandy. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake the crust for 8 minutes to set it—this creates a crisp foundation for your Apple Cheesecake Bars. Let it cool slightly before adding the next layer.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth—lumps are a cheesecake’s enemy! Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each, then stir in the vanilla. The mixture should be silky and luxurious. Pour it over the cooled crust and gently even out the top with a spatula.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Topping

In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This coats the apples and brings out their natural juices while infusing them with spicy warmth. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake batter so every bite is full of fall flavor.

Step 5: Make the Crumble Topping

Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon in another bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks crumbly, with some pieces the size of peas. Sprinkle this crumble generously over the apples for the ultimate crisp finish.

Step 6: Bake the Bars

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly wobbly. The aroma of bubbling apples and buttery crumble signals you’re on the homestretch to dessert bliss. Let the bars cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to help them slice perfectly.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Once fully chilled, use the parchment paper to lift your Apple Cheesecake Bars from the pan. Slice into squares and marvel at those gorgeous layers—then try not to eat more than one at a time!

How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

The right garnishes make Apple Cheesecake Bars truly pop—try a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic look, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for added decadence, or a few toasted pecans to bring out the autumn spirit. A little whipped cream doesn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

Pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream for a cool and creamy contrast. For a lighter touch, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or steaming mugs of spiced apple cider.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, cut the bars smaller for bite-size treats and arrange them on a tiered platter—guests will love grabbing and going. You can also layer them in parfait glasses with extra crumble for a show-stopping dessert presentation, or wrap individual squares in parchment tied with twine for charming edible gifts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Apple Cheesecake Bars tightly covered in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The flavors even deepen after a day or two—if you can resist eating them all at once!

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooled, cut bars in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to an airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the perfect make-ahead treat.

Reheating

While Apple Cheesecake Bars are best enjoyed chilled, you can briefly warm them in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds per bar) if you prefer a softer bite. Just be careful not to overheat, as the layers may become too soft.

FAQs

Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears or peaches work beautifully in place of apples. Just be sure to use firm, not overly juicy fruit to prevent the bars from becoming soggy.

What type Dessert

Tart varieties like Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the cheesecake perfectly, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are also delicious for a sweeter result.

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute gluten-free graham crackers and a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for the crust and crumble. Double check that your oats are certified gluten-free, too.

Do I have to chill the bars before cutting?

Chilling is important! It helps the cheesecake layer set and gives you clean, neat squares. Rushing this step may result in messy, gooey slices.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! Bake the Apple Cheesecake Bars in a 9×13-inch pan, keeping a close eye on the baking time and adjusting as needed since the layers will be slightly thicker.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I do to whip up a batch of Apple Cheesecake Bars! Whether you enjoy them for a relaxed night in or share them with friends, these little squares of comfort are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!

Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
Yield: 16 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful dessert perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. A buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple topping, and crunchy crumble come together in each delicious bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the cheesecake layer:

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the apple topping:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

For the crumble topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

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Instructions

Make the crust: In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Make the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then mix in vanilla. Pour over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Make the apple topping: In a bowl, toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle evenly over the cheesecake layer.
Make the crumble: Combine flour, brown sugar, oats, and cinnamon. Cut in butter with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle crumble evenly over the apples.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing. Serve chilled.