Apple Cheesecake Bars: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tangy

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Apple Cheesecake Bars are a delicious dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, spiced flavors of apples. The buttery crust, velvety cheesecake filling, and cinnamon-sugar apples make these bars an irresistible treat. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering or as an everyday dessert, these apple cheesecake bars are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream

For the Apple Topping:

  • 2 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the Crust:
    In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust layer.
  3. Bake the Crust:
    Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until it is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling and apple topping.

Prepare the Apple Topping:

  1. Cook the Apples:
    In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the apples are softened and caramelized. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:

  1. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
    In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until fully combined.
  2. Assemble the Bars:
    Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread evenly with a spatula.
  3. Top with Apples:
    Spoon the caramelized apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Bake the Bars:

  1. Bake:
    Bake the assembled bars for 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the top is lightly golden. The edges should be firm, and the center should only slightly jiggle.
  2. Cool and Chill:
    Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) to allow the cheesecake to fully set.
  3. Serve:
    Once chilled, cut into squares and serve. Garnish with whipped cream or a dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 16g
  • Carbs: 28g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Sugar: 21g

Tips for the Best Apple Cheesecake Bars

  1. Use Firm Apples: Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up better when cooked and provide a nice contrast to the creamy cheesecake filling.
  2. Serve with Toppings: Top with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added richness.
  3. Make Ahead: These bars are even better the next day! Make them ahead of time and let them chill in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.

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