Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
These Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery cinnamon shortbread crust, a creamy cinnamon cheesecake filling, a layer of spiced apples, and a crunchy cinnamon streusel topping. They're the perfect fall dessert for holidays or gatherings.
Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- parchment paper
- stand mixer or hand mixer
- mixing bowls
- pastry blender or fork
- rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup salted butter, room temperature
- 4 1/4 cups chopped apples
- 1 1/2 tsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 20 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 4 tbsp salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon for the crust in a medium bowl.
- Cut the butter into the flour mixture with a pastry blender or fork until crumbly.
- Press the crust evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 8–10 minutes. Increase oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
- Combine the chopped apples, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Beat the cream cheese, brown sugar, and flour on low speed until smooth. Scrape down the bowl.
- Add the sour cream, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix on low speed until combined.
- Add the eggs and egg white one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition until combined.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the baked crust and spread evenly.
- Evenly distribute the cinnamon apples over the cheesecake filling.
- Combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the streusel in a small bowl.
- Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the apples.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until the center is just set. Cool on the counter for about 45 minutes, then refrigerate until completely chilled and firm.
- Lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, cut into bars, and serve cold. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
For the best texture, chill the bars completely before slicing. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. These bars also freeze well for up to 2 months.