Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Filling
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Crisp Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides to easily lift out the bars after baking.
- Form and Bake Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter until it forms a crumbly dough. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust in the oven for 10 minutes to set.
- Make Cheesecake Layer: While the crust bakes, beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar until smooth using an electric mixer or whisk. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Pour this cheesecake batter evenly over the baked crust.
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice until all pieces are evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
- Assemble Crisp Topping: Combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon in another bowl. Add 1/4 cup cold, cubed unsalted butter and use your fingers or a pastry blender to work the butter into the dry ingredients until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle this crumbly topping evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake and Chill: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheesecake center is set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to firmly set before cutting into 12 servings.
Notes
- For best results, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the apple filling.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
- Use cold butter for the crisp topping to ensure a crumbly texture.
- Chilling the bars before serving helps them hold together when sliced.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American