🍎 Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

With a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth vanilla cheesecake layer, warm cinnamon-apple topping, and a crumbly streusel, these bars deliver all the flavors of fall in one satisfying bite. No water bath needed!

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons melted butter

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer:

• 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Crumb Topping:

• ⅓ cup flour
• ⅓ cup oats
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

Pro Tips

1. Soften cream cheese fully to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
2. Dice apples small so they soften fully while baking.
3. Chill the bars for at least 3 hours before slicing for clean cuts.
4. Use parchment paper for easy lifting and clean edges.
5. Serve chilled or room temp—they’re delicious either way!

🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Spatula
• Whisk
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack
• Sharp knife for slicing

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• No oats? Use all flour in the topping.
• Make it gluten-free: Use GF graham crackers and flour.
• Add nuts: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the crumb topping.
• Swap fruit: Try diced pears or peaches instead of apples.

⏱️ Make Ahead Tips

• Make the full recipe up to 1 day in advance and refrigerate
• Can be stored chilled for 3–4 days
• Bars can be frozen for up to 2 months—slice first and wrap individually

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.

Step 2: Make the Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press evenly into the pan and bake for 8 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare Cheesecake Layer

Beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until creamy. Pour over cooled crust and smooth out.

Step 4: Make Apple Layer

Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Sprinkle evenly over the cheesecake layer.

Step 5: Add Crumb Topping

In a bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer.

Step 6: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 40–45 minutes until set in the center and golden on top. Cool at room temp, then chill for 3 hours before slicing.

Step 7: Slice & Serve

Lift bars from pan using parchment, slice into squares, and serve chilled or room temp. Optional: drizzle with caramel sauce!

🧊 Leftovers & Storage

• Store in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 4 days
• Freeze sliced bars for up to 2 months—wrap individually
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving

💬 Final Thoughts

These Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect cozy dessert—comforting, creamy, and full of fall flavor. They’re easy to make ahead, easy to transport, and impossible to resist. Whether it’s for a bake sale, a family treat, or holiday dessert, you’ll want this one on repeat! 🍎🧁

Let me know if you want a gluten-free version, caramel swirl upgrade, or a printable recipe card—I’d love to help!