If you’re craving a dessert that combines the warm, comforting flavors of apple pie with the creamy indulgence of cheesecake, look no further! These Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate treat for any occasion, offering a delightful twist that will have your taste buds dancing. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich cream cheese filling, and sweet cinnamon-spiced apples on top, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Dive into this deliciously decadent dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds—your new favorite dessert awaits!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 65 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until well combined. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to create a compact crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, toss sliced apples with cinnamon and brown sugar, ensuring the apples are evenly coated.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Arrange the cinnamon-sugar coated apple slices on top of the cream cheese layer, creating an attractive pattern or simply distributing them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the bars to set completely.
- Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then cut into 12 even squares.
- Serve chilled and enjoy your Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the graham cracker crust and cream cheese filling a day in advance. Just assemble and bake when you're ready to serve!
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. This balance will enhance the overall taste of your bars.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. This step is crucial for the cheesecake to set properly and achieve the perfect texture.
- Make It Pretty: When arranging the apple slices on top, feel free to get creative! Layer them in a spiral or fan shape for an eye-catching presentation.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They make for a delightful snack or dessert anytime!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 85mg
