Save Cream cheese, apple, and spiced oat layers combine for a comforting dessert bar with creamy, crunchy, and warmly spiced flavors in every bite.
This recipe quickly became a favorite to serve after dinner as it blends classic apple crisp flavors with smooth cheesecake.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- For the crust, mix flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt in a medium bowl until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Step 3:
- While the crust bakes, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Step 5:
- For the topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and blend with your fingers or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 35&40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
- Step 7:
- Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into bars.
Save We enjoy these bars during family gatherings, always bringing smiles thanks to their comforting layers and familiar flavors.
Notes
For extra crunch, add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking. Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, pastry blender or fork, spatula, knife for slicing
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (flour), Milk (cream cheese, butter), Egg. May contain: Gluten (from flour and oats check oat packaging if gluten-sensitive). Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Save This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings and can be customized with your favorite apple varieties.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith bring a balanced sweetness and lively flavor to complement the creamy layers.
- → How can I achieve a crunchy topping?
Using cold butter cut into the oat and flour mixture helps create a coarse crumb that crisps beautifully during baking.
- → Can these bars be prepared in advance?
Yes, chilling the bars for at least two hours before slicing helps set the layers and improves texture.
- → What is the best way to store the bars?
Keep refrigerated in an airtight container; they stay fresh for up to four days.
- → Is it possible to add extra texture to the topping?
Adding an extra handful of rolled oats to the crumble mix enhances the crunchy texture.
- → How thick should the cream cheese layer be?
Spread it evenly over the crust, about half an inch thick, to maintain balance with fruit and topping.