Save 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 has quickly become a family favorite during the fall season, reminding me of cozy afternoons spent baking together.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- For the 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.
- Step 3:
- While the crust bakes 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.
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl toss diced apples with brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Step 5:
- For the 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.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 35 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
- Step 7:
- Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into bars.
Save Baking these bars always brings everyone to the kitchen, filling the home with warmth and sweet anticipation.
Notes
For extra crunch add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking. Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean neat bars.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan Parchment paper Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Pastry blender or fork Spatula Knife for slicing
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (flour) Milk (cream cheese butter) Egg. May contain Gluten (from flour and oats check oat packaging if gluten-sensitive). Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Save This dessert combines wonderful textures and flavors, making it an ideal treat to share with loved ones.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of apples work best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal to balance sweetness and provide a firm texture in the filling.
- → Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, preparing and partially baking the crust before assembling layers helps maintain a crisp base.
- → How do I get a crunchy topping?
Combining oats, brown sugar, and cold cubed butter, then baking until golden, creates a crisp, textured topping.
- → Is chilling necessary before slicing?
Chilling the bars thoroughly ensures clean slices and helps the layers set properly.
- → Can these bars be stored?
Store bars in the refrigerator for up to four days to retain freshness and texture.