Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars

Cream cheese, apple, and spiced oat layers combine for a comforting dessert bar with creamy, crunchy, and warmly spiced flavors in every bite.

This dessert has quickly become a family favorite after I brought it to a holiday gathering everyone raved about.

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

Preheat Oven:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) . Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper , leaving an overhang for easy removal .

Prepare 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 .

Make Cheesecake Layer:

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 .

Prepare Apple Filling:

Toss diced apples with brown sugar , cinnamon , nutmeg , and lemon juice until well coated . Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer .

Make Crisp 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 .

Bake:

Bake for 35 40 minutes , or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set .

Cool and Chill:

Cool completely in the pan . Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into bars .

Save

My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these bars during holiday celebrations , making memories and sharing stories .

Notes

For extra crunch , add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking . Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean , neat bars . Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat .

Required Tools

8x8-inch baking pan , parchment paper , mixing bowls , electric mixer or whisk , pastry blender or fork , spatula , knife for slicing

Nutritional Information

Estimated per bar : 190 calories , 10 g total fat , 24 g carbohydrates , 2 g protein

Save

These bars are perfect for any occasion and bring a delightful mix of textures and flavors to your dessert table.

Recipe FAQs

→ What kind of apples work best here?

Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweet layers and hold their shape well during baking.

→ Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, it’s best chilled for at least two hours before slicing to ensure clean, firm bars.

→ How should I store leftover bars?

Keep bars refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days to maintain freshness.

→ Is it possible to make the topping crunchier?

Adding an extra handful of rolled oats before baking enhances the crunch and texture of the crisp topping.

→ Can I substitute any ingredients to alter the flavor?

Try swapping nutmeg with allspice or adding chopped nuts to the topping for added texture and flavor variations.