Name: Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits, crushed); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for topping); 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/3 cup brown sugar (for topping); 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping); 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delightful twist on traditional cheesecake. They offer the comforting taste of apple pie with the rich texture of cheesecake, all in a convenient bar form. These bars are ideal for holidays, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. The layers—crumbly base, velvety cheesecake, cinnamon apples, and sweet streusel—create a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham crackers or digestive biscuits (for crust)
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Cream cheese
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Sour cream
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
All-purpose flour
Rolled oats (for topping)

Directions

Preheat the oven and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust by combining crushed graham crackers with melted butter and sugar. Press firmly into the pan to form an even base.
In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugar, vanilla, sour cream, and eggs one at a time, mixing until creamy.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the crust and smooth out the top.
In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread them evenly over the cheesecake layer.
For the topping, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
Bake until the center is set and the topping is golden.
Let cool at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing into bars.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 to 16 bars, depending on how large you cut them. Prep time is approximately 25 minutes, and baking takes around 45 to 50 minutes. Allow at least 3 hours for cooling and chilling before serving.

Variations

Add caramel drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving for extra richness.
Use different fruit: Try pears or peaches instead of apples for a different seasonal twist.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free graham crackers and flour for a celiac-friendly version.
Nutty topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the streusel for added crunch.
Spice it up: Mix in pumpkin pie spice or clove for more warmth.
Mini bars: Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-sized portions.

Storage/Reheating

Store Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individually wrapped bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. These bars are best enjoyed chilled but can be gently warmed in the microwave if preferred.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for cheesecake bars?

Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the cheesecake well, but Honeycrisp or Fuji are also excellent choices.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes, they actually taste better after chilling for a few hours or overnight, so they’re great to make a day in advance.

Can I use store-bought pie filling?

You can substitute with apple pie filling, but fresh apples provide better texture and flavor.

Do I have to use a water bath?

No water bath is needed for these bars, which makes them simpler than traditional cheesecake.

Can I freeze Apple Cheesecake Bars?

Yes, wrap them individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

How do I know when the bars are done baking?

The center should be set but still slightly jiggly, and the topping should be golden brown.

Can I use a different crust?

Yes, a shortbread crust or even a cookie crust like vanilla wafers can be a tasty alternative.

Are these bars overly sweet?

They’re sweet but balanced by the tart apples and tangy cream cheese.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a larger pan and adjust the baking time as needed.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Bake the crust for a few minutes before adding the cheesecake layer to keep it crisp.

Conclusion

Apple Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate fusion dessert, perfect for any occasion. With a delicious blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures, they’re sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Whether for a holiday spread or a sweet weeknight treat, these bars never disappoint.