Name: Apple Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 350 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ½ cup packed light brown sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter (cold); 24 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream (room temperature); ½ cup heavy whipping cream; 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 4 cups apples (peeled and diced); 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 cup packed light brown sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; caramel sauce (for drizzling)

Apple Cheesecake Bars feature layers of buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and cinnamon apples for an irresistible treat. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime, they’re easy to make and always a hit!

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars
Why You'll Love This Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

Indulge in these irresistible apple cheesecake bars, featuring a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and sweet cinnamon-spiced apples. This perfect fall dessert combines delicious layers for a rich and tempting treat. You’ll love how easy it is to create a dessert that tastes just like your favorite apple pie and cheesecake combined. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

This recipe is easy to make, with a simple guide below for you to follow. We’ve included step-by-step photos and directions, along with pro tips and tricks to ensure your success. Plus, check out our answers to the most frequently asked questions to help you along the way!

Apple Cheesecake Bar on a plate with a bite on it

More Recipes ⭐ Apple Dumplings with Crescent Rolls | Mini Apple Cheesecakes | Caramel Apple Pie

These apple pie cheesecake bars take just 45 minutes to bake, making them a quick and easy dessert option. The layers of buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and spiced apples make every bite irresistible. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or special family dinners, this dessert stands out with its combination of apple pie and cheesecake flavors. You’ll love how simple the recipe is, with each step guiding you to a delicious homemade treat.

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this Apple Cheesecake Bars recipe:

For The Shortbread Crust:

2 cups of all-purpose flour
½ cup of packed light brown sugar
1 cup of unsalted butter, cold

To Make The Cheesecake Layer:

3 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
½ cup of sour cream, room temperature
½ cup of heavy whipping cream
1½ tablespoons of all-purpose flour
3 large eggs, room temperature

To Make The Apple Layer:

4 cups of peeled and diced apples
3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
½ teaspoon of cinnamon
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour

For The Streusel Topping:

1 cup of all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon of baking powder
1 cup of packed light brown sugar
½ cup of unsalted butter
2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream

For Optional Garnish

Caramel sauce for drizzling

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your dessert uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions.

Add Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the bars before serving for a sweet, indulgent touch.

Substitute Graham Cracker Crust: Use crushed shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers for a different texture in your apple and creamcheese dessert.

Substitute Apples: Swap apples with pears or peaches to create a fruity twist in your cheesecake bars.

Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts into the crust or on top for extra crunch and flavor.

How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars

Pro Tip

Although the streusel topping goes onto the cheesecake bars last, I actually prepared all of the other layers, streusel included, before peeling and dicing the apples.

Apples start oxidizing and turning brown quickly. I find it best to prepare the apples last so that they are put into the oven as soon as possible after cutting. You can also toss them with a little bit of lemon juice to prevent discoloration.

Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks to create these delicious Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Let’s get started and make this irresistible dessert together!

For The Shortbread Crust

FIRST STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

SECOND STEP: Line the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

THIRD STEP: In the bowl of a food processor, pulse together two cups of flour and a half cup of brown sugar until combined.

Cut one cup of cold butter into tablespoon-size pieces and add to the food processor. Pulse until fine crumbles form.

FOURTH STEP: Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 20 minutes. The crust will be lightly golden brown on top.

crust mixture in a baking dish with hands pressing in the mixture

For The Cheesecake Layer

Pro Tip

This is a thick bar with a substantial cheesecake layer. You can half or use two-thirds of the cheesecake recipe for a bit thinner cheesecake layer

FIRST STEP: Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy.

SECOND STEP: Add the granulated sugar to the cream cheese mixture and beat until combined.

cream cheese and granulated sugar in a bowl with a mixer

THIRD STEP: Add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and a half cup of heavy cream and mix to combine. Add in the flour and mix.

vanilla, sour cream, heavy cream and flour in a bowl with a mixer

FOURTH STEP: Add in one egg at a time and stir by hand until mixed in.

Pro Tip

Do not beat in the eggs. Stir them in one at a time, gently. This helps to reduce the amount of air introduced into the cheesecake batter. Extra air causes the cheesecake layer to rise (the bars may overflow from the pan).

FIFTH STEP: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked brown sugar shortbread crust.

cheesecake mixture poured over baked shortbread crust

For The Apple Layer

FIRST STEP: Toss together diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and flour in a medium bowl.

Pro Tip

The smaller you cut your apples will determine how soft they become during baking.

SECOND STEP: Sprinkle the cinnamon apples over the top of the cheesecake mixture in the baking dish.

For The Streusel Layer

FIRST STEP: Mix the flour, baking powder, and brown sugar by pulsing in the bowl of a food processor.

flour, baking powder and brown sugar mixed in a clear bowl

SECOND STEP: Cut the butter into tablespoon-size pieces and add to the food processor.

THIRD STEP: Pulse several times more until the mixture is crumbly.

FOURTH STEP: Sprinkle two tablespoons of heavy cream over the streusel mixture and stir with a fork or pulse just once or twice more.

The streusel mixture will pull together just a bit to form larger clumps.

FIFTH STEP: Sprinkle the brown sugar streusel topping over the apples in the baking dish.

Pro Tip

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to keep a close eye on your bars as the suggested baking time approaches.

SIXTH STEP: Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, turn off the oven, keeping the door closed for 20 minutes.

Then, open the oven door and allow the apple cheesecake bars to cool to room temperature.

Pro Tip

Slowly reducing the temperature of the cheesecake after cooking (by turning off the oven for some time and then cracking the oven door for some time) helps reduce cracking in the cheesecake. It also allows the cheesecake layer to finish cooking so that it is not overbaked, crumbly, or dry.

SEVENTH STEP: Chill for at least three hours before cutting into bars and serving. Drizzle apple cheesecake bars with caramel sauce, if desired.

Pro Tip

Wait until the bars are chilled completely before adding the caramel drizzle so that it doesn’t soak in.

caramel sauce drizzled over Apple Cheesecake Bars

How To Serve Apple Cheesecake Bars

These cheesecake apple bars are perfect for all kinds of occasions and seasons. Whether it’s a casual treat or a festive dessert, you’ll find the perfect way to serve them!

Perfect for Fall Gatherings: These bars are an ideal dessert for fall parties or Thanksgiving dinners. The warm spiced apples and creamy cheesecake are a cozy combination. Serve with a hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte for a complete seasonal treat.

Family-Friendly Desserts: Kids and adults alike will love these sweet, creamy bars. They’re easy to serve at birthdays or family gatherings. Pair them with vanilla ice cream or a fun chocolate milkshake for an extra indulgent treat.

Great for Potlucks or Picnics: Apple cheesecake bars are easy to transport, making them great for potlucks or outdoor picnics. Their rich, layered flavors stand out next to a simple pasta salad or a refreshing lemonade.

Why You'll Love This Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars have quickly become a favorite among readers for many delicious reasons:

A Harmony of Textures: This recipe combines a buttery, crumbly crust with a creamy cheesecake filling and spiced apple topping. Each bite is a perfect blend of crunch and creaminess that melts in your mouth.

Seasonal Flavors in Every Bite: The warm cinnamon-spiced apples capture the essence of fall and add a comforting, cozy touch. This dessert brings out all the best flavors of the season, making it a must-have for autumn gatherings.

Easy to Make, Impressive to Serve: Despite the decadent layers, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers a professional-looking dessert. It’s a showstopper at any event and earns rave reviews every time.

Apple Cheesecake Bars aren’t just a dessert—they’re a fall favorite that brings comfort and joy to every occasion!

An Apple Cheesecake Bar on a plate, with three apples on the side

Recipe FAQ

How do I keep the cheesecake layer from cracking?
Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing, and avoid overmixing to prevent air bubbles that cause cracks.

Can I use fresh or canned apples for this recipe?
Fresh apples are best for this recipe because they provide the perfect texture and flavor for the spiced topping.

Why is my crust too crumbly?
If your crust is too crumbly, add a little more melted butter to ensure it binds properly before baking.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The cheesecake is done when the center is slightly jiggly but the edges are set and golden.

Apple Cheesecake Bars in a baking dish a plate served with a bar on the side

Serving FAQ

How should I cut the cheesecake bars for serving?
Use a sharp knife, wiping it clean between cuts, for smooth, even slices without crumbs.

Do I need to chill the bars before serving?
Yes, chilling the bars for at least two hours helps the layers set and enhances the flavor and texture.

Can I serve these bars warm or cold?
Apple cheesecake bars are best served chilled, as this ensures the cheesecake holds its shape and the flavors shine.

How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically makes 12 to 16 bars, depending on how large or small you cut each portion.

Apple Cheesecake Bars in a baking dish and on a plate

Storage FAQ

Follow the directions below for the best tips and tricks on storing your Apple Cheesecake Bars. From making them ahead to reheating, we’ve got everything covered so your dessert stays fresh and delicious.

Can I make Apple Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Store the bars in the fridge, covered, until ready to serve.

How do I store leftover Apple Cheesecake Bars?
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I freeze Apple Cheesecake Bars?
Yes, you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

What’s the best way to reheat Apple Cheesecake Bars?
Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds if you prefer them slightly warm, but they’re best served chilled.