Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars Recipe: Sweet & Tangy Treat

Apple crisp cheesecake bars blend two beloved dessert worlds into one irresistible treat.

Sweet, tangy, and utterly decadent, these bars promise a delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake and classic apple pie flavors.

Crunchy graham cracker crusts provide a sturdy foundation for layers of rich, velvety filling.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg dance through each bite, creating a nostalgic autumn sensation.

Tender apple chunks nestled within the smooth cheesecake offer unexpected bursts of fruity brightness.

Crumbly, buttery streusel topping adds a delectable textural contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.

crisp edges and a perfectly balanced sweetness make these bars impossible to resist.

Tips to Keep Apple Cheesecake Bars Perfectly Layered

• Butter Blend Perfectly: Cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy for a melt-in-your-mouth shortbread base that ensures a tender, delicate texture.
• Chill Crisp Topping: Freeze the crisp mixture before sprinkling to create larger, crunchier clusters that add delightful texture and prevent over-browning.
• Apple Prep Pro: Dice apples uniformly and toss quickly with sugar and spices to prevent browning and ensure even flavor distribution throughout the bars.
• Cheesecake Smooth Trick: Beat cream cheese at room temperature and add eggs one at a time to create a silky, lump-free cheesecake layer that sets beautifully.
• Cutting Technique: Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to achieve perfect, clean squares without dragging the layers or losing the crisp topping.

Storing and Reheating Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars

• Refrigerate: Seal bars in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Store frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm bars gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften and enhance flavors.

Side Ideas for Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars

• Brew the Perfect Whiskey Pairing: Complement the rich whiskey notes in the cheesecake with a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark or Buffalo Trace. The caramel and vanilla undertones will dance beautifully with the apple and cinnamon flavors.
• Craft a Creamy Beverage Match: Pair these decadent bars with a cold glass of spiced chai latte. The warm spices in the chai will echo the cinnamon and nutmeg in the dessert, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Create a Refreshing Contrast: Serve alongside a crisp apple cider or sparkling hard apple cider. The light, tangy beverage will cut through the rich cheesecake and provide a delightful palate cleanser between bites.
• Enhance with Sweet Wine: Select a late-harvest Riesling or dessert wine with hints of apple and honey. These sweet wines will beautifully complement the dessert's complex layers of flavor and provide a luxurious tasting experience.

Flavor Variations of Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars

• Rustic Caramel Apple Fusion: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled bars for an extra layer of richness and create a gooey, indulgent texture that complements the creamy cheesecake.
• Nutty Autumn Edition: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the crisp topping to add a crunchy element and enhance the fall-inspired flavor profile of the dessert.
• Spiced Maple Transformation: Replace the whiskey with pure maple syrup and add a touch of ground ginger to the apple mixture, creating a warm, comforting variation that celebrates seasonal spices.
• Berry Cheesecake Crossover: Swap half the apples with fresh raspberries or blueberries to introduce a tangy contrast and create a vibrant, colorful dessert that maintains the original recipe's creamy base.

Why Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars Steal the Dessert Show

• Savor Layered Luxury: This recipe transforms classic apple crisp into an indulgent cheesecake bar with multiple delectable textures from buttery shortbread to creamy cheesecake and crunchy crisp topping.
• Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Warm autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg blend perfectly with sweet apples, creating a nostalgic dessert that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.
• Master Impressive Technique: Despite seeming complex, this dessert is surprisingly approachable for home bakers, offering restaurant-quality results with straightforward step-by-step layering that looks professionally crafted.
• Customize with Creativity: Optional ingredients like whiskey add sophisticated depth, allowing bakers to personalize the recipe and experiment with flavor variations while maintaining the core delicious foundation.

Ingredients for Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation for shortbread crust with smooth texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness to shortbread base.
• Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for shortbread.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor balance.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the crust.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth, tangy base for rich cheesecake filling.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness to cheesecake mixture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• Eggs: Binds and creates creamy, stable texture.
• Whiskey (Optional): Introduces subtle depth and complexity.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Enhances overall flavor profile.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp fruit for natural sweetness and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps caramelize and sweeten apple layer.
• Cinnamon: Warm, classic spice that complements apples.
• Nutmeg: Adds subtle, aromatic warmth to apple mixture.
• Flour: Creates crumbly texture for crisp topping.
• Oats: Provides hearty, rustic element to crumble.
• Cold Butter: Ensures flaky, crumbly crisp topping.

Apple Cheesecake Bar Instructions You Can Follow

Step 1: Prepare the Buttery Shortbread Base

• Butter
• Brown sugar

• Flour
• Salt

Press the dough evenly into the pan. Bake for 20 minutes, spinning the pan halfway through. Pull out and let cool. Bump up the oven temperature to 350°F.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Crisp Topping

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Toss in cold butter cubes. Pulse until butter looks like tiny peas. Transfer to a bowl, stir in oats. Pop into the freezer.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Cheesecake Layer

• Cream cheese
• White sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat until silky smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Mix in vanilla and optional whiskey.

Step 4: Prepare Spiced Apple Layer

• Granulated sugar
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Ensure apples are evenly coated.

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Pour cheesecake mixture over shortbread crust. Scatter apples across the top. Sprinkle crisp topping generously. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, rotating pan midway. Look for golden top and set cheesecake layer.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let bars cool to room temperature. Refrigerate. Use parchment to lift bars from pan. Slice into squares with a sharp knife. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

Enjoy your luxurious dessert masterpiece!

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Luxurious apple crisp cheesecake bars blend classic dessert magic with creamy indulgence. Cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in silky cheesecake create an irresistible treat you’ll crave from first delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 3 Granny Smith apples
• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese
• 8 ounces (227 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs

Sugars and Seasonings:

• 1.25 cups light brown sugar
• 0.25 cups granulated sugar
• 0.75 teaspoon cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Additional Ingredients:

• 0.5 cups rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon whiskey (optional)
• 3 ounces (85 grams) cold unsalted butter
• 0.5 cups all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Craft the brown sugar shortbread foundation by gently creaming butter and brown sugar until ethereal and airy, then incorporate vanilla for depth of flavor.
2. Delicately press the shortbread mixture into a prepared baking pan, ensuring an even, smooth surface that will serve as the structural base for the bars.
3. Bake the shortbread crust until edges turn a light golden hue, allowing it to develop a subtle crispness and rich, toasted undertones.
4. Create the crisp topping by pulsing flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon together, then introduce cold butter pieces until they resemble tiny pebbles.
5. Fold rolled oats into the crumbly mixture, then quickly chill in the freezer to maintain its textural integrity.
6. Whip cream cheese and sugars until completely smooth, then gently incorporate eggs one at a time, finishing with vanilla and optional whiskey for complexity.
7. Prepare the apple layer by tumbling diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with warm, aromatic spices.
8. Carefully pour the silky cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked shortbread crust, creating a luxurious, creamy foundation.
9. Artfully distribute spiced apple pieces across the cheesecake layer, then generously sprinkle the chilled crisp topping for textural contrast.
10. Bake until the surface transforms into a golden landscape and the cheesecake sets with a gentle wobble.
11. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate to firm and intensify flavors.
12. Remove from pan using parchment edges, slice into precise squares with a sharp knife, and store in a sealed container.

Notes

• Precise pan preparation is crucial for easy removal and clean cutting of bars.
• Cold butter creates flaky, crumbly texture in the crisp topping, so keep ingredients chilled.
• Rotating the pan during baking ensures even browning and consistent cooking throughout.
• Whiskey is optional but adds depth and complexity to the cheesecake flavor profile.
• Always let bars cool completely before slicing to maintain structural integrity and clean cuts.
• Refrigeration helps set the cheesecake layer and intensifies the overall flavor combination.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg