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Apple Cheesecake Bars

Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust

  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

These Apple Cheesecake Bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, creamy cheesecake, and spiced apple topping, making them the perfect indulgent and comforting dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 medium apples, peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and salt. Gradually add the flour and mix until it forms a dough. Press the dough evenly into the prepared pan, making sure to cover the bottom completely. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly golden. Let it cool.
  3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until creamy and fully combined. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
  4. Toss the sliced apples with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a bowl. Arrange the apple slices over the cheesecake layer, slightly overlapping them.
  5. Bake the assembled bars for 35–40 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set and the apples are tender. The edges should be slightly golden.
  6. Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Notes

Refrigerating the bars after baking helps them firm up and makes slicing easier. Use fresh apples for the best flavor, and ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 18
  • Sodium: 150
  • Fat: 20
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 4

Keywords: apple cheesecake bars, shortbread crust, fall dessert, apple dessert, cheesecake recipe

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/apple-cheesecake-bars-recipe-with-buttery-shortbread-crust/