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 quickly became a family favorite after I made it for a weekend gathering the rich flavors and easy preparation really impressed everyone.

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.

Prepare 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.

Make 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.

Prepare Apple Filling:

Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Make Topping:

Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cold cubed butter and blend with fingers or pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.

Bake:

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and center is set.

Cool and Chill:

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

Save

Sharing these bars with my family created warm memories as everyone enjoyed bites of the creamy and crunchy dessert together.

Notes

For extra crunch add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking 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

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 dessert bar is an ideal treat to prepare ahead making gatherings effortless and delicious.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a nice balance of flavor and hold their shape well during baking.

→ Can I add extra oats for more crunch?

Yes, including an additional handful of oats in the topping enhances the texture without overpowering the other layers.

→ How long should I chill the bars before serving?

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and ensure clean slicing.

→ Is it necessary to line the baking pan?

Lining with parchment paper with an overhang makes removing the bars from the pan easier and helps maintain their shape.

→ Can these bars be stored safely?

Store chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep freshness and texture intact.

→ What gives the topping its crunch?

A combination of oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter creates a crumbly texture that crisps up during baking.