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Creamy Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

apple streusel cheesecake bars - featured image

A delightful dessert combining the comforting flavors of cinnamon-dusted apples, creamy cheesecake, and buttery streusel, perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a slight overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a bowl, mix 1 cup flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/2 cup melted butter until crumbly. Press it firmly into the prepared pan to create an even layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
  3. Beat 8 oz softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla, mixing until fully combined. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust and smooth it out evenly.
  4. Toss the sliced apples with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Spread the apples evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  5. Combine 1/2 cup flour, 1/4 cup oats, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup cold cubed butter. Use your fingers or a fork to create pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
  6. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the streusel is golden brown.
  7. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the layers set firmly.
  8. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares or rectangles and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese and egg are at room temperature for a smooth cheesecake layer. Pre-bake the crust to prevent sogginess. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours for clean slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Apple dessert, Cheesecake bars, Fall recipe, Streusel topping, Easy dessert