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Cinnamon Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars

cinnamon apple crisp cheesecake bars - featured image

These easy autumn dessert bars combine the best of apple crisp and creamy cheesecake, layered with cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery oat topping. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium apples)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Pinch salt
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  1. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Peel, core, and dice apples into 1/2-inch cubes.
  4. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 1/4 tsp salt until crumbly.
  5. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan and flatten evenly.
  6. Bake crust for 10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
  7. In a bowl, toss diced apples with 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Spread evenly over baked crust.
  8. In another bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 1/2 tsp vanilla; beat until silky and lump-free.
  9. Pour cheesecake filling over apples and spread gently to cover.
  10. Mix oats, 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until crumbly. Add nuts if using.
  11. Sprinkle topping evenly over cheesecake layer.
  12. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, until topping is golden and edges are set. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
  13. Let bars cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
  14. Chill in refrigerator for at least 1 hour before slicing (overnight for firmer bars).
  15. Lift bars out using parchment tabs and slice into 9 squares with a sharp knife.
  16. Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce.

Notes

For best results, chill bars thoroughly before slicing. Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture. Toast oats for extra crunch. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are possible. Bars freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple crisp, cheesecake bars, autumn dessert, cinnamon, easy dessert, fall baking, apple dessert, oat topping, cream cheese, potluck