Save 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 become a family favorite for its perfect combination of flavors and textures, making dessert time truly special.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make 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.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Spread evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
- Apple Filling:
- Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Spread evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Prepare Topping:
- Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and blend until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Chill:
- Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into bars.
Save My family always gathers around happily when the refrigerator timer goes off, ready to enjoy these bars with a scoop of ice cream.
Notes
For extra crunch add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking. Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean neat bars. Serve with 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
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (flour), Milk (cream cheese, butter), Egg. May contain Gluten (from flour and oats check oat packaging if gluten-sensitive). Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Save This apple crisp cheesecake bar recipe is the perfect ending to any meal, delivering rich flavors with comforting textures.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of apples work best for these bars?
Tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal as they balance sweetness with a slight tang, enhancing the spiced layers.
- → Can I prepare the bars ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing helps achieve clean edges and allows flavors to meld.
- → How can I make the topping crunchier?
Adding an extra handful of oats to the crisp topping before baking will increase crunchiness.
- → What is the baking temperature and time?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-40 minutes until the topping turns golden and the center sets.
- → How should the bars be stored?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- → Are there any key allergens in these bars?
These bars contain wheat, milk, and eggs. Check ingredient labels if you have gluten sensitivities.