Apple Cheesecake Bars are a dreamy marriage of creamy cheesecake, tart apple filling, a buttery graham cracker crust, and a cozy oat streusel on top. Every bite balances sweet, tangy, spiced, and crunchy elements that taste like autumn in dessert form. Whether you’re serving these as a special treat for friends or sneaking a chilled slice as a midnight snack, this recipe brings huge bakery energy straight to your kitchen with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about making Apple Cheesecake Bars is the simple list of kitchen staples that transforms into something magical. Every layer uses basic ingredients — and each one plays a key role in building the flavor, texture, and irresistible color contrast of these dessert bars.
- Graham cracker crumbs: The foundation of our crust, offering sweet, buttery crispness with every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to the crust and cheesecake layer.
- Unsalted butter (melted and cold): Essential for both richness in the crust and that crumbly magic in the streusel.
- Cream cheese (softened): The heart of the cheesecake, giving it that signature creamy tang.
- Large eggs: These bind the creamy layer while keeping it smooth and luxurious.
- Vanilla extract: A splash wakes up all the flavors and brings lovely warmth.
- Peeled and chopped apples: Apples bring fresh, tart-sweet flavor — Granny Smith is the go-to, but use your favorite variety.
- Brown sugar: Both the apple layer and streusel get extra depth and that classic caramel hint from brown sugar.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Just a sprinkle infuses each bite with cozy, fall-inspired spice.
- All-purpose flour: Keeps the streusel tender yet crisp, and adds body to the topping.
- Old-fashioned oats: Oats in the streusel give irresistible chew and rustic texture.
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang for easy bar removal. This step saves you from any sticky mess and guarantees picture-perfect bars every time.
Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture looks like wet sand and then firmly press it into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until set. This gives your Apple Cheesecake Bars a buttery, crunchy base that’ll hold up to all the luscious toppings.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until completely smooth (no lumps allowed!). Then, add the eggs and vanilla extract, blending just until combined and creamy. Pour this dreamy cheesecake filling over your slightly cooled crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
Step 4: Layer on the Apples
In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until each piece is coated in spiced sweetness. Evenly scatter the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer. This is where Apple Cheesecake Bars really start to shine, with a perfect tart-sweet balance right in the center.
Step 5: Make the Streusel Topping
Now, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the cold cubed butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture becomes craggy and crumbly. Sprinkle this golden streusel all over the apple layer — it’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven for a perfect crunchy finish.
Step 6: Bake and Chill
Bake your bars for 40–45 minutes, or until the center looks just set and the top is a gorgeous golden brown. Let the pan cool on a wire rack until room temperature, then refrigerate for at least three hours (or overnight, if you’re planning ahead) before slicing into twelve satisfyingly decadent Apple Cheesecake Bars.
How to Serve Apple Cheesecake Bars
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way here! Dust your Apple Cheesecake Bars with a whisper of powdered sugar, drizzle with caramel sauce, or add a dollop of whipped cream on top for occasions when you want to make dessert extra special.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a mug of strong coffee or hot cider for a cozy afternoon treat. For more of a dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream — the cool creaminess against the warm spices is heavenly.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bars into clean squares for casual snacking, or slice them into slim rectangles for a fancier platter. If you’re hosting, stack the bars on a cake stand, interleaving with apple slices and cinnamon sticks for an autumn-inspired centerpiece that guests won’t be able to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, making them perfect for planning ahead or grabbing a quick sweet snack all week long.
Freezing
If you want to make these even further in advance, simply wrap the sliced bars individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Apple Cheesecake Bars freeze beautifully for up to two months — just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
These bars are usually served chilled or at room temperature, but if you want a bit of warmth, zap a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The cheesecake will turn just creamy enough, and the apples and streusel will smell like freshly baked pie.
FAQs
Can I use different kinds of apples?
Absolutely! While tart varieties like Granny Smith are classic for Apple Cheesecake Bars because they hold their shape and add a bright flavor, Honeycrisp or Fuji work wonderfully too if you prefer a sweeter apple profile.
Can I make Apple Cheesecake Bars the day before?
Yes, and they’re actually even better the next day! Giving them time to chill in the fridge helps all the layers set and the flavors blend. Just slice and serve when you’re ready.
What can I use if I don’t have graham crackers?
If graham crackers aren’t handy, try vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits as a substitute — just crush them fine for a similar base that works beautifully with the other flavors in these bars.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeled apples blend seamlessly into the creamy cheesecake texture, but if you’re in a rush or love a rustic vibe, you can leave the peels on — just chop the apples finely for best results.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! For a crowd, double all the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time and keep an eye on the edges for that perfect golden finish.
Final Thoughts
From their creamy centers to their spiced apple tops, these Apple Cheesecake Bars are pure comfort in dessert form. If you’ve never tried making cheesecake bars at home, there’s no better place to start — and I promise, your kitchen will smell incredible! Go ahead, bake a batch and share (or don’t share!) these luscious, memorable treats with someone you love.
Print
Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 12 bars
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious blend of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and buttery streusel with these irresistible Apple Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for fall or any time of year!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
For the cheesecake layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the apple layer:
- 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the streusel topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup old-fashioned oats
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the pan and bake.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Pour over crust.
- Toss apples with sugar and spices, spread over cheesecake.
- Make streusel topping, sprinkle over apples. Bake.
- Cool completely, then refrigerate before slicing.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor.
- Bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
