Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Cook Time: 80 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it much easier to lift the bars out of the pan once they have cooled.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and the melted butter. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand and the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure the crust is even and compact. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the pre-baked crust.
- In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with the cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread the spiced apples evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer. You do not need to cook the apples beforehand as they will soften in the oven.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, and brown sugar. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the cold, cubed butter into the mixture until it forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel generously over the apple layer.
- Place the pan back in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The edges should be set, the cheesecake should have a very slight jiggle in the center, and the streusel should be golden brown.
- Allow the bars to cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cooled, refrigerate the pan for at least 3 to 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This is essential for the cheesecake to set properly so you can get clean slices.