Save to Pinterest Cream cheese, apple, and spiced oat layers combine for a comforting dessert bar with creamy, crunchy, and warmly spiced flavors in every bite.
This dessert has become a seasonal favorite in my family, perfect for cozy gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- Crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cheesecake Layer: 8 ounces cream cheese softened, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Apple Filling: 2 medium apples peeled cored and diced, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Crisp Topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Step 2:
- For the crust mix flour granulated sugar melted butter and salt in a medium bowl until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Step 3:
- While the crust bakes beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract mixing until just combined. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl toss diced apples with brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Step 5:
- For the topping combine flour oats brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cold cubed butter and blend with your fingers or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 35 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
- Step 7:
- Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into bars.
Save to Pinterest My family gathers around the table every holiday season to enjoy these bars warm or cold with ice cream.
Notes
For extra crunch add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, pastry blender or fork, spatula, knife for slicing
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (flour), Milk (cream cheese, butter), Egg. May contain: Gluten (from flour and oats check oat packaging if gluten-sensitive). Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Save to Pinterest These bars are a perfect blend of creamy and crunchy with warm spices making every bite delightful.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of apples work best?
Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a balanced tartness that complements the creamy layers.
- → Can oats be added to enhance crunch?
Yes, adding extra oats to the topping before baking increases the crunchy texture.
- → How should the bars be stored?
Store bars in the refrigerator for up to four days to maintain freshness.
- → Why is chilling important before slicing?
Chilling firms the bars, allowing clean slices without crumbling.
- → What temperature is preferred for baking?
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures the crust and topping bake evenly while setting the layers.