Description
Delight in these Apple Cheesecake Bars featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, cinnamon-spiced apples, and a crumbly streusel topping. Perfectly baked to create a comforting fall dessert that’s rich, fruity, and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Streusel Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until evenly mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake the crust for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until completely smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Prepare Apple Layer: In a small bowl, toss the diced apples with granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until all pieces are coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, distributing it gently for consistent coverage.
- Make Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel topping evenly over the apple layer, covering it completely.
- Bake the Bars: Place the assembled pan back into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake center is set and the streusel topping is golden brown. Once baked, allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature.
- Chill and Serve: After cooling, refrigerate the bars for at least 3 hours to firm up before slicing into 16 squares. For the best flavor and texture, chill overnight before serving.
Notes
- These bars taste even better after chilling overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for optimal flavor contrast against the sweet cheesecake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
