Description
Warm, sweet apples and silky cheesecake layered under a crumbly cinnamon streusel make these bars a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert. Quick to assemble and endlessly adaptable, they’re perfect for potlucks, brunch, or a cozy treat any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- Pinch of salt
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, pinch of salt, and 1/2 cup cold butter. Rub butter into flour mixture until coarse crumbs form. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, until just set and lightly golden. Let cool.
- Prepare the apple filling: In a small skillet, melt 1/2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp lemon juice. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, until apples are just tender and slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.
- Mix the cheesecake layer: In a large bowl, beat 8 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/4 cup sugar, 1 egg, 1/2 tsp vanilla, and 1 tsp lemon zest (if using). Beat until just combined. Pour mixture evenly over cooled crust.
- Add the apples: Spoon sautéed apple mixture over cheesecake layer and spread evenly.
- Make the streusel: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup melted butter. Stir in nuts if using. Sprinkle streusel evenly over apples.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until cheesecake layer is set and streusel is golden brown. Cover loosely with foil if topping browns too quickly.
- Cool and chill: Let bars cool to room temperature in the pan (about 1 hour). Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Slice and serve: Lift bars out using parchment overhang. Cut into squares with a sharp knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature cream cheese and firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Chill bars fully before slicing for clean cuts. Streusel can be customized with nuts or oats. Bars freeze well for up to 2 months. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations work with simple swaps.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar (1/16 of pan)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 11
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 24
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2.5
Keywords: apple cheesecake bars, cinnamon streusel, easy dessert, fall baking, cream cheese, apple dessert, potluck recipe, cheesecake bars