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
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 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
