Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars are a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of apples with the creaminess of cheesecake and the crunch of a crisp topping. Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday parties, or just a cozy night in, these bars are sure to become a favorite.
Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars
Why These Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars Are the Best
- Creamy Cheesecake Layer: The cream cheese layer adds a smooth and tangy contrast to the sweet apple filling.
- Crunchy Crisp Topping: The oat and brown sugar topping provides a delightful crunch that complements the creamy and fruity layers.
- Sweet and Tart Apples: The apples add a natural sweetness and tartness that balance the richness of the cream cheese.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under an hour.
Ingredient Notes
Oat Crisp Crust & Topping:
- Quick-cooking oats: Add texture and a slightly chewy, hearty element to the crust and topping.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and helps bind the oat crust and topping together.
- Brown sugar (packed): Adds sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, which pairs well with the cinnamon and apples.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Help the crust rise slightly and ensure it has a light, crumbly texture.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses the crust and topping with warm, spicy flavor, enhancing the apple filling.
- Butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture, binding the crust and topping while creating a crisp, golden texture.
Cream Cheese Layer:
- Cream cheese (room temperature): Creates a rich, creamy layer that contrasts the crisp oat topping and tangy apples.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer, balancing its tangy flavor.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cream cheese, enhancing its flavor.
- Large eggs (room temperature): Provide structure to the cream cheese layer, helping it set into a smooth, velvety consistency.
Apple Pie Layer:
- Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced): Add tartness and natural sweetness, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and caramel topping.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the apple filling slightly, keeping the juices from making the bars soggy.
- Brown sugar: Adds a slight caramel flavor to the apple layer, enhancing the sweetness of the fruit.
- Cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the tart apples.
- Caramel topping (for garnish): Adds a decadent, sweet finish, perfectly complementing the tangy apples and creamy filling.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a fall gathering, or simply craving a delicious dessert, these Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars are the perfect choice. The combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet apples, and crunchy topping makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality apples and cream cheese.
- Layer Evenly: Make sure to spread each layer evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Bake Until Golden: Bake the bars until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean slices and a firm filling.
Serving Suggestions
- With Whipped Cream: Serve Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars with a dollop of whipped cream for a classic and delicious pairing.
- With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair the bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
- With Fresh Fruit: Garnish with fresh berries or a slice of orange for a refreshing contrast.
- With a Cup of Coffee: Enjoy a bar with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy treat.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Creamy, crunchy, and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious apple recipes!
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Apple Fritter Bread
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Apple Fritter BreadApple Fritter Bread
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Apple Crumble Cheesecake
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Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars
These Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars are the ultimate fall dessert! 🍏🍂 With a creamy, tangy layer of cream cheese and a buttery, cinnamon-spiced apple filling, they combine the best of an apple crisp and cheesecake in one delicious bite. The crumbly oat topping adds the perfect crunch, making them an irresistible treat to enjoy with family or friends
Ingredients
Oat Crisp Crust & Topping
- ½ cup quick-cooking oats
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup butter melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 2 8 oz packages cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs room temperature
Apple Pie Layer
- 3 large Granny Smith apples peeled cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Caramel topping for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it for easy removal later.
Oat Crisp Crust & Topping
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Stir in the melted butter with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Set aside 1 ¼ cups of the oat mixture for the topping.
- Press the remaining oat mixture into the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- Bake the crust for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. While it bakes, prepare the cream cheese layer.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In another bowl, use a mixer to blend softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- On low speed, add the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Set aside.
Apple Pie Layer
- In a large bowl, toss the chopped apples with flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon until evenly coated.
Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the apple mixture evenly over the baked crust.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the apples, smoothing the top.
- Sprinkle the reserved oat mixture over the cream cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly browned.
- Let the bars cool completely, then refrigerate until firm and ready to serve.
- For easy slicing, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper.
- Optionally, drizzle with caramel sauce just before serving for extra indulgence.
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Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars