Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars (Printable)

Cream cheese, spiced apples, and oat topping combine for a comforting crunchy bar.

# What you'll need:

→ Crust

01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Cheesecake Layer

05 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Apple Filling

09 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
10 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
12 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Crisp Topping

14 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
15 - 1/3 cup rolled oats
16 - 1/3 cup brown sugar
17 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt until crumbly. Press the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
04 - In a bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until coated. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
05 - Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Incorporate cold, cubed butter using fingers or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle topping evenly over the apple layer.
06 - Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
07 - Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out using the parchment overhang and slicing into 16 bars.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Comforting dessert with creamy and crunchy layers
  • Warmly spiced flavors perfect for chilly days
02 -
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balanced flavor
  • Bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
03 -
  • Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before slicing to ensure clean cuts
  • Use cold butter in the topping to create a crisp texture
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