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- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 3 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced The main ingredients set the stage for your Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars. Graham cracker crumbs create a delicious base. Unsalted butter adds richness to the crust. Cream cheese gives the bars a creamy texture. Fresh, thinly sliced apples bring a lovely sweetness and crunch. - 2 tablespoons sugar - 1/2 cup sugar - 1 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg For added flavor, we use a mix of sugars. The regular sugar sweetens the cream cheese filling. Brown sugar enhances the apple filling's depth. Cinnamon and nutmeg warm up the dish with cozy spices. Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the sweetness. - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon cornstarch Eggs are key for binding the cheesecake filling. Vanilla extract enriches the flavor of the bars. Cornstarch helps the apple filling hold together. These ingredients come together to create a luscious treat that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This step gets your oven ready to bake the bars. 2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until it is all blended well. 3. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a lined 9x9-inch baking dish. Bake it for 8 minutes, then take it out and let it cool slightly. 1. In a large bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until it becomes smooth and creamy. 2. Add 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg until combined. 3. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until it is fully mixed in. 1. In another bowl, toss 3 cups of thinly sliced apples with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. 2. Make sure the apples are well coated with this mixture. This adds flavor and thickens the filling. 1. Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly. 2. Layer the apple filling over the cheesecake layer. 3. Top it with the remaining cheesecake filling. Spread it gently to cover the apples completely. 1. Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You want the cheesecake to be set and the edges slightly golden. 2. The center may still jiggle a bit. It will firm up while cooling. 1. Take the bars out of the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. 2. Place the bars in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours or overnight. This helps them set properly. 3. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Slice them into squares for serving. To get the best crust, you want to avoid a soggy bottom. Here are some tips: - Pre-bake the crust: This step is key! Bake it for 8 minutes to give it a head start. - Use enough butter: The melted butter helps the crust hold together. Make sure to mix it well. If you want to try something different for the crust, consider these options: - Use cookies: Crushed gingersnaps or Oreos can add a fun twist. - Make it nutty: Ground almonds or pecans can give the crust a tasty crunch. Achieving a creamy texture is important for the cheesecake part. Here’s how to do it: - Soften the cream cheese: Always let it sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly. - Mix on low speed: This prevents too much air from getting in, which can cause cracks. To avoid cracks on the surface, follow these tips: - Don’t overbake: The center should still jiggle slightly. It firms up as it cools. - Cool slowly: Let it cool in the oven with the door slightly open for a while. Choosing the right apples makes a big difference in flavor. Here are some great apple varieties: - Granny Smith: Tart and crisp, they hold up well when baked. - Honeycrisp: Sweet and juicy, they add a nice flavor contrast. When slicing apples, keep these tips in mind: - Use a sharp knife: This helps you get clean cuts and prevents bruising. - Slice evenly: Aim for thin, uniform slices for even cooking and great texture. Pro Tips Use Fresh Apples: For the best flavor, choose crisp and tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the cheesecake. Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling without any lumps. Let It Set: After baking, allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This helps them firm up nicely and makes slicing easier. Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your taste. Adding a pinch of cloves or allspice can elevate the flavor profile of your apple filling. {{image_2}} You can add fun twists to these bars. One great option is to mix in caramel or toffee. It adds a rich, sweet layer. You can drizzle it over the top before baking. You can also stir some into the apple filling. Another tasty choice is to use nuts. Walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch. Just chop them up and mix them into the apple filling. You get a lovely texture that pairs well with the creamy cheesecake. If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs. Make sure to read the label to avoid hidden gluten. For a vegan take, swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese. You can use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. You can change the fruit in these bars for different seasons. In spring, you might try peaches or cherries. In fall, pears are a great choice. Just slice them thin and toss them with spices. For holidays, you can add flavors like pumpkin or eggnog. Mix pumpkin puree with the cheesecake filling. You can also use spices like clove or allspice for that festive taste. Each change makes the bars feel special and new. The apple pie cheesecake bars stay fresh in the fridge for up to one week. To keep them safe, use an airtight container. This will help maintain their delicious flavor and texture. If you have leftover bars, make sure to place a piece of wax paper between layers. This prevents them from sticking together. For long-term storage, you can freeze these bars. Wrap each bar tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy them, let the bars thaw overnight in the fridge. This keeps the texture smooth and tasty. To serve leftovers, reheat the bars gently. Use the microwave at low power for about 15-20 seconds. This warms them up without changing the texture. If you prefer, you can also use the oven. Set it to 325°F (163°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps keep the crust crispy and the filling creamy. You can use dairy-free cream cheese as a great swap. Look for brands that taste good. Another option is to use silken tofu. Blend it until smooth for a creamy texture. This keeps the recipe rich and tasty. Yes, you can! Make the bars up to two days in advance. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, cover them tightly and store them in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend well. For baking, I love using Granny Smith apples. They are tart and firm. Honeycrisp apples also work well; they add a sweet crunch. A mix of both gives great flavor and texture to the bars. To add a festive touch, try drizzling caramel sauce on top. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts for crunch. Add some whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon for a pretty look. These small details make a big difference! Yes, they can be served warm! Just let them cool for a bit after baking. Warm bars are delicious, especially with a scoop of ice cream. They taste like a cozy hug on a plate. This blog post covered how to make delicious apple cheesecake bars. We explored the main and additional ingredients needed, plus essential pantry items. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing the crust and filling, baking, and slicing. I also shared tips for perfecting the crust and made variations to suit your taste. Remember, these bars are versatile and easy to store. Try different methods and enjoy your baking journey! In the end, these apple cheesecake bars are a treat for any occasion. Enjoy every bite!

Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars layered with spiced apples and a graham cracker crust.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • 1 2 unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2 sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3 cups apples, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 1 2 brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 2 nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a lined 9x9-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until fully incorporated.
  • Prepare the apple filling: In another bowl, toss the sliced apples with brown sugar, lemon juice, nutmeg, and cornstarch until the apples are well coated.
  • Layer the cheesecake bars: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly. Layer the apple filling over the cheesecake layer, followed by the remaining cheesecake filling. Spread it gently to cover the apples.
  • Bake the bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden. The center may still be a bit jiggly; it will firm up while cooling.
  • Cool and slice: Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to help set further. Once chilled, lift the bars out with the parchment paper and slice into squares.

Notes

Serve chilled, dusted with powdered sugar and drizzled with caramel sauce.
Keyword apple pie, bars, cheesecake, dessert