Can’t decide between apple crisp and apple cheesecake? Why not have both! These apple crisp cheesecake bars combine a classic cheesecake, juicy cinnamon apples, and a buttery oat topping of a classic apple crisp. All this is baked in a buttery crust to create the perfect cozy fall treat.
These apple crisp cheesecake bars are a must try treat if you’re craving something creamy and crunchy. They start with a buttery crust, the layers of creamy cheesecake filling, topped with tender cinnamon apples and a golden oatmeal crumble topping. It’s the perfect combination of cheesecake and apple crisp. Best part? No need for a water bath – just layer, bake, chill then serve. It’s an easy dessert perfect for the holidays, gatherings or just because you want a special treat.
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Why you’ll love these apple crisp cheesecake bars
- Irresistible flavor combo: Buttery crust, creamy cheesecake center, cinnamon apples and crispy oatmeal topping… a perfect combo: sweet, tart, rich and crunchy.
- Make ahead: It’s great for prepping in advance for Thanksgiving, special events or if you just want something sweet.
- Easy to make and easy to serve: Easier to make than a cheesecake that requires water bath. Perfect treat for sharing and serving.
Ingredients needed for apple crisp cheesecake bars
Crust
- Butter: To create a tender, rich buttery crust.
- Brown sugar: For some sweetness
- Flour: To bind it all together
Cheesecake filling
- Cream cheese: Use full fat cream cheese for a creamy cheesecake.
- Granulated sugar: For some sweetness.
- Egg: To make the cheesecake creamy and rich.
Apple topping
- Apples: I use granny smith apples, as they stay tender after baking and are not too sweet.
- Brown sugar: To add a little sweetness
- Cinnamon: To enhance the apple flavor.
Crumble topping
- Butter: Adds flavor and creates a crispy golden finish.
- Brown sugar: To add sweetness
- Flour: Binds everything together to create a tender crumbly texture.
- Oatmeal: To add crunch, chewiness and texture.
How to make the crust
- Whisk together flour and brown sugar.
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture using your hands or a pastry cutter.
- Press into parchment paper lined pan.
- Bake until lightly golden brown around the edges.
Making the cheesecake layer
- Beat cream cheese and sugar.
- Add the egg and beat until combined.
- Pour over crust.
Making the apple filling
- Combine diced apples, cinnamon and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Carefully spoon over the cheesecake layer.
How to make the oatmeal crumble
- To a bowl, add brown sugar, flour, oats and cold butter.
- Using your hands or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the mixture.
- Sprinkle over apples.
What kind of apples should I use for baking?
For the best flavor and texture of an apple dessert, I would recommend baking with granny smith or honey crisp apples. Here is also break down of the best apples to bake with:
- Granny smith: These are typically used in most recipes. They are tart and firm.
- Honey crisp: These are usually my second choice when baking desserts. They are crunchy, juicy apples that are slightly sweet and tart.
- Braeburn: These are crisp, firm and are slightly tart.
- Pink lady: These are sweet apples that are crisp and juicy.
Tips for success
- Dice the apples small for the filling. If the apples are too large the cheesecake bars tend to fall apart after cutting. Cutting the apples smaller ensures the cheesecake bars stay in place when cutting and serving.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the cheesecake filling. Using room temperature cream cheese and egg ensures that the cheesecake mixture is smooth and lump free.
- Use cold butter for the crust and topping. Using cold butter results in the perfect crispy and crumbly topping. It also results in a light, buttery crust instead of a dense and greasy crust.
- Store bars in the fridge for up to five days. Place bars in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil.
- Wait until bars completely cool before cutting. This allows the apple cheesecake bars time to rest. It also makes it easier to cut.
Other recipes you may like
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Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars
Can’t decide between apple crisp and apple cheesecake? Why not have both! These apple crisp cheesecake bars combine a creamy classic cheesecake, juicy spiced apples, and a buttery oat topping of a classic apple crisp. All this is baked in a buttery crust to create a perfect cozy fall treat.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Category: dessert
Ingredients
Crust
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all purpose flour
Cheesecake filling
- 1 (8oz) cream cheese, room temp
- 1 large egg, room temp
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Apple filling
- 3 medium sized apples, peeled, cored, cut into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Crumble topping
- ⅓ cup all purpose flour
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 5 tablespoon unsalted butter, cold, cut into cubes
Instructions
Crust
- Line 8x8in pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 F.
- In a medium bowl whisk together brown sugar and flour.
- Add cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles large crumbs.
- Press into prepared pan. Bake for 10-13 minutes or until lightly golden brown around edges.
- Set aside while preparing the rest of the bars.
Cheesecake
- Beat together cream cheese and sugar until combined.
- Add the egg and beat until combined.
- Pour over crust.
- Set aside while preparing the rest of the layers.
Apple filling
- Dice cored and peeled apples into small chunks.
- Add brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Carefully place over the cheesecake layer.
- Set aside while preparing the topping.
Oatmeal crisp topping
- Whisk together flour, brown sugar and oats.
- Add cold butter. Using a pastry cutter, fork or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles course crumbs.
- Sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until topping is golden brown.
- Drizzle with caramel.
- Cool completely before cutting.
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