Pin Recipe 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 family favorite thanks to its perfect balance of sweet and spice in a convenient bar form.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- 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:
- 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:
- Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
- Step 4:
- Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Step 5:
- Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon for topping. Add cold, cubed butter and blend until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over apple layer.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 35 40 minutes or until topping is golden brown and center is set.
- Step 7:
- Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into bars.
Pin Recipe These bars always bring smiles during family gatherings, reminding us of cozy autumn afternoons spent baking together.
Notes
For extra crunch, add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan, Parchment paper, Mixing bowls, Electric mixer or whisk, Pastry blender or fork, Spatula, Knife for slicing
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (flour), Milk (cream cheese, butter), Egg. May contain Gluten from flour and oats check oat packaging if gluten-sensitive. Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Pin Recipe This recipe combines comforting flavors and simple preparation for a delightful homemade dessert bar.
Recipe FAQs
- → What apples work best for this dessert?
Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity, enhancing the spiced filling.
- → Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and bake the crust in advance, then refrigerate until ready to add the layers.
- → How long should the bars chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 2 hours helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
- → What gives the topping its crunchy texture?
A mix of rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, and cold butter creates crumbly, crunchy topping when baked.
- → Can I add extra oats to the topping?
Adding more oats increases crunchiness and texture variety in the finished bars.