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Creamy Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

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These easy fall dessert bars feature layers of spiced sautéed apples, creamy cheesecake, and a crunchy oat streusel. Perfect for cozy gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting treat on chilly days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (about 2 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Grease an 8×8-inch pan or line with parchment paper, leaving an overhang. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt for the base. Stir until crumbly and evenly moist.
  3. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until just set but not browned.
  4. While the base bakes, peel and dice apples. In a small saucepan, combine apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until slightly softened. Let cool slightly.
  5. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until creamy and smooth.
  6. For the streusel, combine oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl. Cut in cold cubed butter until mixture is crumbly.
  7. Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled base and spread evenly. Top with sautéed apples, then sprinkle streusel evenly over apples.
  8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, until center is set and streusel is golden brown. If edges brown too fast, cover loosely with foil for last 10 minutes.
  9. Let bars cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best).
  10. Lift bars from pan using parchment overhang. Slice into squares and serve chilled, at room temperature, or slightly warmed.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese and egg for a smoother cheesecake layer. Cold butter is key for a crisp streusel. For gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations, substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour and plant-based dairy alternatives. Chill bars thoroughly for clean slices. Add nuts to streusel for extra richness. Bars can be made ahead and flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple bars, cheesecake bars, streusel, fall dessert, easy apple dessert, autumn baking, potluck dessert, creamy cheesecake, oat streusel, cinnamon apple

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