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Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

These Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a delicious apple crumble topping for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Baked to perfection and topped with salted caramel sauce, these bars make a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (12 full graham cracker sheets)
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 tablespoons melted butter

Apple Topping

  • 2 cups diced apples (2 medium)
  • 1½ tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Crumb Topping

  • ½ cup flour
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup sour cream (room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla paste
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)

For Serving

  • Salted caramel sauce (for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven – Set the oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare an 8×8 inch baking pan by spraying it with cooking spray and lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Make the crust – Place graham crackers in a food processor and blend until finely ground. Add brown sugar and cinnamon, pulse to combine, then add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture holds together.
  3. Bake the crust – Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set.
  4. Prepare the apple topping – In a small bowl, mix diced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  5. Make the crumb topping – In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Set aside.
  6. Mix the cheesecake filling – In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar on medium-low speed until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla paste and sour cream, beating until completely smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently by hand to avoid overmixing.
  7. Assemble the cheesecake layer – Pour the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust in the baking pan, spreading it evenly.
  8. Add apple and crumb topping – Using your hands, evenly sprinkle the diced apples over the cheesecake layer, avoiding any excess liquid. Follow by sprinkling the crumb topping over the apples.
  9. Bake – Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the center has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven, open the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about 30 minutes. Then remove and cool to room temperature on the counter.
  10. Chill and serve – Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set completely. Before serving, drizzle with salted caramel sauce and cut into squares.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter.
  • Do not add any liquid that may come from the apples to the topping to prevent sogginess.
  • Allowing the baked cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven helps prevent cracking.
  • Chill thoroughly to achieve clean slices when cutting.
  • Salted caramel sauce adds a complementary flavor but can be omitted or substituted if preferred.