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.

I have always enjoyed making this apple crisp cheesecake bars because they bring a perfect balance of flavors and textures that delight my family every time.

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

Step 1:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

Step 2:

For the 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.

Step 3:

While the crust bakes, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust.

Step 4:

In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Step 5:

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

Step 6:

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.

Step 7:

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

Save

This recipe brings my family together, especially during chilly evenings when the warm flavors and creamy texture become a source of comfort and joy.

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.

Save

Enjoy this dessert by making it ahead for easy serving at gatherings and watch it become an instant family favorite.

Kitchen Tips & Answers

→ What type of apples work best for these bars?

Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the creamy and sweet layers, enhancing the overall flavor.

→ Can I prepare the bars ahead of time?

Yes, chilling the bars thoroughly before slicing helps achieve clean cuts and enhances flavor melding.

→ How can I make the topping extra crunchy?

Add an extra handful of rolled oats to the topping mix before baking to increase crunchiness.

→ What is the best pan size to use?

An 8x8-inch baking pan ensures the bars bake evenly and develop the perfect thickness.

→ Are there allergen considerations for this dessert?

This includes wheat, milk, and egg ingredients; check oat packaging for gluten if sensitivity applies.

→ How long do these bars keep fresh?

Stored in the refrigerator, they remain fresh for up to four days, maintaining texture and flavor.