What type of apples work best for this dessert?

Tart apples like Granny Smith offer the best balance of flavor and texture, holding well during baking without becoming mushy.

How can I make the topping extra crunchy?

Adding an extra handful of rolled oats to the topping before baking enhances the crunch and adds more texture.

Yes, chilling the bars thoroughly for at least 2 hours helps them set properly, making slicing cleaner and flavor more developed.

Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.

They contain wheat, milk, and eggs. Those sensitive to gluten should check oat packaging, as some may contain traces.

Using an electric mixer or whisk helps smooth the cream cheese layer, and a pastry blender is useful for making the crumbly topping.

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 quickly became a favorite in my family for its balance of sweet and spice with a satisfying texture combination.

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

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.

My family especially enjoys these bars chilled and served with vanilla ice cream, making for cherished dessert moments together.

For extra crunch, add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking.

8x8-inch baking pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, pastry blender or fork, spatula, knife for slicing

Contains Wheat (flour), Milk (cream cheese, butter), Egg. May contain Gluten from flour and oats check oat packaging if gluten-sensitive.

This recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy and crunchy textures that’s sure to impress any dessert lover.

→ What type of apples work best for this dessert?: Tart apples like Granny Smith offer the best balance of flavor and texture, holding well during baking without becoming mushy.
→ How can I make the topping extra crunchy?: Adding an extra handful of rolled oats to the topping before baking enhances the crunch and adds more texture.
→ Can I prepare these bars ahead of time?: Yes, chilling the bars thoroughly for at least 2 hours helps them set properly, making slicing cleaner and flavor more developed.
→ What is the best way to store these bars?: Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.
→ Are there any common allergens in these bars?: They contain wheat, milk, and eggs. Those sensitive to gluten should check oat packaging, as some may contain traces.
→ What tools are recommended for preparing these bars?: Using an electric mixer or whisk helps smooth the cream cheese layer, and a pastry blender is useful for making the crumbly topping.