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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Craft the brown sugar shortbread foundation by gently creaming butter and brown sugar until ethereal and airy, then incorporate vanilla for depth of flavor.
- 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.
- Bake the shortbread crust until edges turn a light golden hue, allowing it to develop a subtle crispness and rich, toasted undertones.
- Create the crisp topping by pulsing flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon together, then introduce cold butter pieces until they resemble tiny pebbles.
- Fold rolled oats into the crumbly mixture, then quickly chill in the freezer to maintain its textural integrity.
- Whip cream cheese and sugars until completely smooth, then gently incorporate eggs one at a time, finishing with vanilla and optional whiskey for complexity.
- Prepare the apple layer by tumbling diced apples with granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with warm, aromatic spices.
- Carefully pour the silky cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked shortbread crust, creating a luxurious, creamy foundation.
- Artfully distribute spiced apple pieces across the cheesecake layer, then generously sprinkle the chilled crisp topping for textural contrast.
- Bake until the surface transforms into a golden landscape and the cheesecake sets with a gentle wobble.
- Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate to firm and intensify flavors.
- 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