Apple Cheesecake Crumb Bars
User Reviews
4.7
Apple Cheesecake Crumb Bars
Description
This recipe assembles an apple cheesecake bar with three distinct components. The crust provides a firm base with a mild sweetness and salt balance, baked ahead to set firmly. The filling is prepared with cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla, combined with finely chopped apples seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg to bring a hint of warmth and freshness. The crumb topping made from flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter adds a crunchy contrast once baked.
The bars bake in an 8-inch square pan lined with foil for easy removal and slicing, presenting an easy way to serve a dessert with multiple textures. The crumb topping is chilled before baking to ensure it maintains a crumbly texture rather than melting into the filling. The cream cheese layer balances the sweetness of the apples and topping, while the oats add a rustic touch.
These bars are suitable for dessert or snack occasions where portion control is needed. They hold shape well once cooled and can be served slightly chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
For the Crumb Topping:
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup oats quick-cooking
- ¼ cup butter at cool room temperature, unsalted
For the Crust:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- Pinch salt
- ½ cup butter at cool room temperature, unsalted
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar divided, + 1 tablespoon
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- 2 apple any variety, peeled, cored and finely chopped, small
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on all sides. Spray the foil with non-stick cooking spray.
- Make the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, stir together the flour, brown sugar and oats. Using a fork, your fingers or a pastry blender, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly. Refrigerate the topping while you prepare the bars.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar and salt. Add the butter and, using a pastry blender, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles wet sand. Turn the mixture into the pan and press into an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes, or until light brown and set. Remove the pan to a wire rack.
- Make the Filling: Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese with ¼ cup of the sugar until it's well-combined and smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed. Add the egg, vanilla and salt, and beat just until the mixture is uniform. Pour over the crust and smooth into an even layer.
- In a small bowl, toss the apples with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar, the cinnamon and nutmeg, ensuring that the apples are evenly coated. Distribute the apples evenly over the cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the center does not jiggle. Remove the pan to a wire rack and let the bars cool completely, then cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. The bars can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 9to 16 squares (depending on how large you cut them)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 422 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 422kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 86mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 105mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 135mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 28g | 56% |
| Vitamin A | 885IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 1.9mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 57mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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