If you are craving a dessert that blends creamy, spiced, and buttery flavors into one irresistible treat, the Apple Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe is here to steal your heart. These bars feature a perfectly crisp graham cracker crust topped with a rich, velvety cheesecake layer, all crowned with tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a crunchy cinnamon streusel. Whether you’re making a cozy fall dessert for your family or impressing friends at a gathering, this recipe offers a warm hug of flavor in every bite, turning simple ingredients into a sensationally comforting experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a crucial role — from the buttery crust to the creamy cheesecake and the warmly spiced apple topping, culminating in that irresistible cinnamon streusel.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The base for a buttery and crisp crust that holds everything together perfectly.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust and cheesecake layers.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the crust for richness and is chilled for the streusel to create that perfect crumbly texture.
- Cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake layer, providing a smooth and tangy foundation.
- Eggs: Bind the cheesecake and give it that luscious, firm texture.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cheesecake with a delicate, sweet aroma.
- Apples (Granny Smith recommended): Tangy and firm apples bring brightness and hold up well to baking.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramel note to both the apple topping and the streusel.
- Ground cinnamon: Coats the apples and flavors the streusel with warm spice.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle touch to enhance the apple’s natural sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure to the streusel topping for that delightful crumbly finish.
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper; this helps remove the bars easily later. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are thoroughly coated. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a sturdy, buttery crust. Bake the crust for about 8 minutes to set it, then let it cool slightly while you move on to the cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheesecake Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until silky smooth and free of lumps. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this luscious cheesecake mixture over the warm crust, spreading it out evenly to create a creamy canvas ready to be topped with apples.
Step 3: Toss and Layer the Apple Topping
In a small bowl, combine diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, tossing gently to coat every piece in fragrant spices and sweet caramel notes. Evenly distribute the spiced apples over the cheesecake layer, making sure every square will have a generous amount of fruit to enjoy.
Step 4: Create and Sprinkle the Cinnamon Streusel
Mix together flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl, then add cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this deliciously crumbly topping evenly over the apple layer—it’s what will add that perfect contrast of crunchy texture to balance the creamy cheesecake and tender apples.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set
Bake the entire pan for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake center is set and the streusel topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs. Let the bars cool completely before moving to the next step.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
For the best results, refrigerate your Apple Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe for at least 3 hours to allow the cheesecake to fully set and the flavors to meld beautifully. This also makes slicing neat and clean bars much easier.
How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant finish. For an extra touch, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream complements the cinnamon and apple flavors perfectly, turning these bars from everyday dessert to something truly special.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot spiced cider for a cozy, fall-inspired treat. Their creamy texture and warm spices also make them ideal alongside a simple bowl of fresh fruit or light sorbet for balance and freshness on the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into smaller bite-sized squares to serve as party finger food or stack a couple of bars with fresh apple slices between them for a playful dessert sandwich. Alternatively, place each bar on a pretty dessert plate with a sprig of fresh mint or a cinnamon stick for a charming presentation that brightens any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Apple Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe, store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making them a wonderful treat to savor later.
Freezing
If you want to keep these bars for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual bars or the whole pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. When frozen, they remain delicious for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best texture, thaw frozen bars overnight in the refrigerator. Serve chilled or warm them slightly in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Avoid microwaving as it might make the crust soggy or the cheesecake rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a perfect tartness and hold their shape well, sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji can offer a milder, fruity flavor. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may reduce the amount of added sugar you want to use.
Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars before slicing?
Yes, chilling the bars for at least 3 hours helps the cheesecake layer to set firmly, making slicing easier and preventing the bars from falling apart. It also improves the flavor by allowing all elements to meld together.
Can I make the crust gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or use finely crushed gluten-free cookies. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, including the streusel, are gluten-free if you’re catering to that dietary need.
What’s the best way to cut these bars cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut to get neat, tidy bars. Slicing after the bars have fully chilled in the fridge also helps maintain sharp edges and prevents crumbling.
Can I double the recipe?
For sure! Simply double all ingredients and bake the bars in two 9×13-inch pans or one larger pan, adjusting baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the bars to avoid overbaking and test for doneness with a toothpick.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Apple Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe—it’s a delicious way to bring cozy autumn vibes to your kitchen any time you want. With its perfect layers of buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and crumbly streusel, this dessert feels like a warm hug from the inside out. So grab your ingredients and treat yourself or loved ones to a batch of these bars; once you try them, they’re sure to become a cherished favorite.
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Apple Cheesecake Bars with Cinnamon Streusel Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These apple cheesecake bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a warmly spiced apple topping, finished with a cinnamon streusel. They’re the perfect fall dessert that’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
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 tsp vanilla extract
For the apple topping
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
For the streusel
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated, then stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and smooth the surface evenly.
- Prepare the apple topping: In a small bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until coated evenly. Spread the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
- Make the streusel topping: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes crumbly with pea-sized pieces. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- Bake the bars: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake center is set and the streusel topping turns golden brown.
- Cool and chill: Remove from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing into 16 bars and serving.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples work best for tartness, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor.
- The bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for a smooth cheesecake texture.
- Use parchment paper to easily lift the bars from the pan for neat slices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
