Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the flavors of apple crumble and cheesecake in a delicious dessert. This delightful recipe gives you the best of both worlds, featuring layers of creamy vanilla cheesecake, fresh diced apples, and a crunchy crumble topping. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home, these bars are not only easy to make but are also sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into this amazing dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cheesecake Bars

There are countless reasons to adore these Apple Cheesecake Bars! First, they effortlessly blend the creamy texture of cheesecake with the comforting flavors of apple pie. If you’re a fan of apple cream cheese bars, this recipe will be your new favorite. Additionally, they are perfect for fall gatherings, making them a seasonal favorite. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch with the crumble topping, making them the best apple cheesecake bars you’ll ever taste. They are also versatile; you can easily modify them to be gluten-free or vegan, ensuring everyone can enjoy this creamy apple cheesecake dessert!

Ingredients for Apple Cheesecake Bars

Gather these items:

1½ cups (164g) graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
pinch salt
6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
½ cup plus one tablespoon (77g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
couple pinches of salt
4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter (melted and cooled slightly)
2 cups (260g) peeled, diced apples
2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Two 8-oz packages brick-style cream cheese (softened)
¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (63g) sour cream (room temperature)
1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 large eggs (room temperature)
toffee sauce or caramel sauce

How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F with a rack in the middle position. Prepare an 8×8 baking pan by greasing it well or lining it with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
Step 2: Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, flour, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until all of the crumbs are moist. Press the mixture into an even layer in the bottom of the prepared pan.
Step 3: Bake for 12-14 minutes, until fragrant and just beginning to brown. Meanwhile, proceed with the recipe.
Step 4: Combine flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Add the melted butter and stir until well combined. Chill the topping mixture in the refrigerator.
Step 5: Stir together all filling ingredients and set aside.
Step 6: Using a mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
Step 7: Pour filling over crust and smooth into an even layer. Spoon the apples over the cheesecake filling, leaving behind any excess juice. Sprinkle chilled crumb topping over the apples.
Step 8: Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the topping is light golden brown and the center has a slight jiggle. Cool on a wire rack for at least an hour, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours. Serve chilled with toffee or caramel sauce.

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Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Cheesecake Bars

Keep these in mind:

Chill the topping for better texture.
Use room temperature ingredients for the filling.
For a healthier option, consider using a low-fat cream cheese.
Experiment with different types of apples to find your perfect flavor combination!

Best Ways to Serve Apple Cheesecake Bars

These delicious bars can be enjoyed in various ways. You can serve them with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness. They also pair wonderfully with whipped cream or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience. For a seasonal twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top!

How to Store and Reheat Apple Cheesecake Bars

To store these bars, simply keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to one week, making them ideal for meal prep during the week. If you want to enjoy them warm, you can reheat them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes, or pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cheesecake Bars

What’s the secret to perfect Apple Cheesecake Bars?

The key to perfect cinnamon apple cheesecake bars is to ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This avoids lumps and creates a smooth filling. Also, don’t overmix the batter after adding the eggs to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

Can I make Apple Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?

Absolutely! These apple dessert bars can be made a day in advance. Just be sure to store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They actually taste better after sitting overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cheesecake Bars?

One common mistake is not allowing the bars to cool completely before slicing. This can cause them to fall apart. Let them cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before refrigerating and slicing. Using the correct baking pan size is also essential to achieve the right texture.

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Variations of Apple Cheesecake Bars You Can Try

Feel free to customize your Apple Cheesecake Bars! You can create gluten-free apple cheesecake bars by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. For a vegan option, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use flax eggs instead. You can also try adding oats for a delicious apple cheesecake bars with oat crust for extra texture.

For more information on the health benefits of apples, check out this Healthline article.

If you’re interested in more dessert recipes, visit our desserts category for a variety of options.

To learn about the best types of apples for baking, check out this Spruce Eats guide.