Apple Cheesecake Bars
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Apple season is just around the corner, and with this easy Apple Cheesecake Bars recipe, you’ll definitely be ready! It’s all the deliciousness of spiced apple pie and creamy cheesecake combined in every heavenly bite!
Whether you’re prepping for a holiday gathering or just need a sweet treat on a busy night, these Apple Cheesecake Bars come together easily, can be made ahead of time, and are always a hit any time of the year.
They’re the perfect blend of creamy cheesecake, tender, spiced apples, and a quick crumble topping all in a simple-to-make dessert bar. And they transport terrifically, making them a great option for parties, picnics, potlucks, or just any time you want a simple and sublime dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Festive – These cheesecake apple bars are the perfect treat to take to picnics, potlucks and gatherings.
Delicious – the flavor of apple spice is perfect for the season.
Easy – this simple dessert is easy to make ahead.
Apple Cheesecake Bar Recipe Ingredients
This easy recipe uses basic ingredients you probably have on hand. Check out the Substitution and Tips Sections for alternatives and shortcuts.
- Graham cracker crumbs – you can purchase crumb or make your own by using a food processor. You can also simplify by using a premade crust.
- Brown sugar – light or dark brown sugar will work
- Ground cinnamon
- Butter – melted
- Cream cheese – softened for easy mixing
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Granny Smith apples – peeled and chopped
- All-purpose flour
Equipment Needed To Make
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 baking dish
- Sharp knife
Substitutions & Alterations
- If using other types of apples, choose firm texture apples that will hold up to the baking. See some suggestions below.
- You can sub firmer pears or peaches for the apples.
- Add chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) to the topping.
- Use apple pie spice in place of just ground cinnamon alone.
- Swap out the graham cracker crumbs for gingersnap cookies or cinnamon graham crackers for added flavor.
How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars
Here is a step by step overview of the recipe. Be sure to refer tothe recipe card directions for complete instructions.
Step 1 – Prepare crust ingredients in a bowl.
Step 2 – Press crust into pan and bake it for a few minutes to set.
Step 3 – Prepare the cheesecake layer while the crust cools. When cool, pour cheesecake layer over crust.
Step 4 – Mix the apples with sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle over the cheesecake layer.
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Step 5 – Bake until set, then cool and chill for clean slices.
Step 6 – Slice, serve, and enjoy
Time Saving Tips & Tricks
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Peel and chop the apples last to avoid browning from oxidation.
- Don’t skip lining your pan with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
- Want an easier crust? Use a premade graham cracker crust.
- Chill Thoroughly: For the best results, chill the bars in the refrigerator overnight or for at least six hours.
- Cut with a hot knife (run it under hot water and wipe dry between slices) for smooth, clean slices. It works better than a pie server.
Best Baking Apples
Some types of apples hold up to baking and high temperatures better than others. Choose a crisper, firm variety of apple that can stand the heat, and stay away from apples that have a soft, mealy texture that can potentially turn to mush when baked. I like to use Granny Smith apples in this recipe for their firmness and tartness.
Some delicious apple varieties to choose from for baking:
- Honeycrisp
- Granny Smith
- Crispin
- Cortland
- Fuji
- Pink Lady
- Braeburn
NOTES:
- Softer apples don’t really stand up to heat as well and could result in a mushier bar.
- Tart apples like Granny Smith and Braeburn tend to give baked goods a more distinguished flavor.
How to Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Serve the delicious dessert as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and drizzle with an Easy Caramel Sauce.
You can also serve these alongside an Easy Fruit Salad or Rainbow Fruit Parfaits.
How to Store Leftover Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Eat within 4-5 days.
You can also freeze cheesecake bars for up to 3 months. Place leftover bars on a cookie sheet or plate and put it in the freezer for at least 3 hours. Then wrap the frozen bars in plastic wrap or put them in a freezer safe bag with a little square of parchment paper between each bar so they don’t freeze together. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
More Apple Dessert Recipes
For more cheesecake bars, try my Chocolate Swirl Cheesecake bars or my Pumpkin Swirl bars.
Apple Cheesecake Bars
Equipment
- Large Bowl
- baking pan
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup + 3 tbsp. brown sugar divided
- 3 tsp cinnamon divided
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 24 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup + 3 tbsp. sugar divided
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 granny smith apples
- 1/2 cup flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment.
- In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, 3 tbsp. of brown sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 6 tbsp. melted butter.
- Press this mixture into the bottom of your baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 12 minutes. Allow the crust to cool before continuing.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract, until smooth.
- Add in the eggs, and mix to combine.
- Pour this mixture over the crust and smooth out evenly.
- Take the granny smith apples and peel and chop them very fine.
- In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples in 3 tbsp. sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon.
- Sprinkle the apples over top of the cheesecake mixture.
- In another bowl, stir together the flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp. cinnamon, and 4 tbsp. melted butter.
- Sprinkle this mixture over top of the cheesecake.
- Bake at 350 for about 50 minutes, the top will begin to turn golden brown, but the center will still have a slight cheesecake jiggle.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then move to the refrigerator for 6 hours, or overnight.
Nutrition
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These look scrumptious!
Wow, these bars look delicious. Congratulations, you are being featured on TFT. I hope you stop by. https://eclecticredbarn.blogspot.com/2025/09/fall-desserts-on-tft.html
Hugs,
Bev
Thank you so much!
These were so good!