Description
These Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery cookie base, creamy cheesecake layer, spiced apple filling, and a crunchy oat topping for a delightful dessert bar that's perfect for any occasion. With layers of texture and flavor, these bars offer the comforting taste of apple crisp in a convenient, sliceable form.
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Cheesecake Layer
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened (three 8-ounce packages)
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 3-4 Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
- 3 Tbsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup oats
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9" x 13" baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides for easy removal of the bars later. Set aside.
- Make Cookie Base Dough: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and salt using a fork. Cut in the room temperature butter using the fork or your hands until the dough comes together nicely.
- Press and Bake Cookie Base: Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a level base. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: While the base bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl using an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and lump-free. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing to combine.
- Assemble Cheesecake Layer: Once the cookie base is out of the oven and slightly cooled, pour the cheesecake filling evenly over the base. Set aside.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, stir together the peeled and chopped apples with sugar and cinnamon until well coated. Set aside.
- Make Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and oats. Cut in the room temperature butter using a fork or your hands until the butter is evenly distributed and the mixture forms crumbs.
- Layer Apple Filling and Crumb Topping: Evenly distribute the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, followed by an even layer of the crumb topping on top.
- Bake the Bars: Bake the assembled layers for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is mostly set with minimal jiggle when lightly tapped.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from the oven and allow bars to cool. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing to help the bars set properly.
- Store Appropriately: Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples as they hold their shape well and provide a nice tart flavor to balance the sweetness.
- Ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for smoother cheesecake filling.
- Line the pan with parchment paper with overhang for easy removal of bars without breaking.
- Watch the baking time closely; overbaking can dry out the cheesecake layer.
- Chilling is essential for clean slicing and best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American