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Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a crunchy streusel topping for a comforting fall dessert.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 9 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 328
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Shortbread Crust
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Cream Cheese Filling
  • 12 oz full-fat cream cheese Use block cream cheese for best results.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Apple Layer
  • 2 small apples, peeled, cored, chopped Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended.
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • a pinch ground nutmeg, optional
For the Cinnamon Streusel Topping
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup rolled oats
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour and brown sugar for the crust.
  3. Cut in butter until the mixture looks like damp sand.
  4. Firmly press the crust into the prepared pan and bake for 12 to 14 minutes until lightly golden.
Cheesecake Filling
  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar on medium speed until smooth.
  2. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until just combined.
  3. Pour the filling evenly over the warm crust.
Apple Layer
  1. Chop the apples and mix with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  2. Distribute the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer.
Streusel Topping
  1. Combine brown sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon in a bowl.
  2. Work in butter until clumps form, then sprinkle over the apples.
Baking
  1. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the streusel is light brown.
  2. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
  3. Lift out, slice into squares, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 328kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 78mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20g

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the filling once the egg is added. Chill long enough for clean slices and optimal texture.

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