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 recipe has been a favorite for family gatherings, always earning compliments for its delightful combination of textures and flavors.

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

Step 1:

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

Step 2:

For the 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.

Step 3:

While the crust bakes, 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.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Step 5:

For the 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.

Step 6:

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

Step 7:

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

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This dessert is a favorite at our family dinners, always bringing smiles and requests for seconds.

Notes

For extra crunch, add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking. Bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 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

Calories: 190 per bar, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 2 g.

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Enjoy these apple crisp cheesecake bars as a perfect ending to any meal, combining ease and deliciousness.

Recipe FAQ Section

→ What type of apples work best for this dish?

Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they provide a balanced sweet-tart flavor that complements the creamy layers.

→ Can I make the crust without butter?

Butter adds richness and helps create a tender, crumbly crust. Substituting with margarine or another fat is possible but may affect texture.

→ How do I achieve a crunchy topping?

Using cold cubed butter and blending it into the flour, oats, and sugar mixture creates coarse crumbs that crisp up during baking.

→ What is the best way to slice these bars cleanly?

Chill the bars thoroughly in the refrigerator before slicing to ensure neat, clean edges without crumbling.

→ How long can these bars be stored?

Store refrigerated bars well in an airtight container for up to four days to maintain freshness and texture.