Apple Cheesecake Bars

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Apple cheesecake bars are a wonderful way to enjoy the best of both worlds: creamy cheesecake and the delicious taste of fresh apples.

This dessert combines a buttery crust with a rich, smooth filling, topped off with spiced apple slices that add a delightful crunch.

These bars are perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive gatherings.

They’re simple to prepare, making it easy for anyone to whip up a batch.

Each bite brings a comforting blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more.

Let’s get into this straightforward recipe and bring these delicious apple cheesecake bars to life, filling your home with sweet aromas and happy memories!

Table of Contents

Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Ingredients

For The Crust

180 g digestive biscuits
70 g unsalted butter (melted)

For The Cheesecake Layer

320 g full-fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
120 g granulated sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs (room temperature)

For The Apple Filling

300 g Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced into medium cubes)
20 g granulated sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For The Crumble Topping

100 g unsalted butter (chilled and cut into small cubes)
125 g plain flour (all-purpose flour)
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
70 g demerara sugar (or substitute with brown sugar)
40 g granulated sugar
3 tablespoons halal caramel sauce

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 160°C (fan). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and line it with baking paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Set it aside.
In a food processor, crush the digestive biscuits until they become fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor, place the biscuits in a plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
Mix the melted butter with the biscuit crumbs until the mixture resembles damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
In an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy. Add in the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well mixed.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, sugar, lemon zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until the apples are well coated, then let them sit for about 5 minutes.
In another large bowl, combine the chilled butter with flour, cinnamon, demerara sugar, and granulated sugar. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Remove the crust from the fridge and pour the cheesecake mixture over it. Tap the pan gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Evenly distribute the spiced apple mixture on top of the cheesecake layer, then sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and the filling is set.
Once baked, remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely on the counter. For the best results, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours, or overnight.
To serve, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the overhang of the baking paper. Drizzle with caramel sauce, slice into bars, and enjoy!

What Are The Best Apples For Apple Cheesecake Bars?

When it comes to cooking, not all apples are created equal. Some apples hold their shape well when cooked, while others become soft and mushy. Here are the best apple varieties for cooking:

Granny Smith: These tart green apples are perfect for pies and crisps because they stay firm and add a nice zing.
Honeycrisp: Known for their sweetness and crisp texture, they’re great in both sweet and savory dishes.
Braeburn: With a balance of sweet and tart flavors, these apples work well in a variety of recipes, especially in sauces and pies.
Jonagold: A cross between Jonathan and Golden Delicious, they have a sweet-tart flavor that makes them great for baking.
Fuji: These apples are juicy and sweet, holding their texture well when cooked, making them perfect for desserts.

Serving Suggestions For Apple Cheesecake Bars

Apple cheesecake bars are delicious on their own, but they can be even better with some tasty accompaniments. Here are a few ideas for what to serve with them:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm bars paired with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.
Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the bars enhances the sweetness and adds a rich flavor.
Fresh Fruit: Serve with slices of fresh apples or berries for a refreshing bite.
Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the bars.

How To Store Apple Cheesecake Bars?

Proper storage will help keep your apple cheesecake bars fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store them:

Cool Completely: Before storing, make sure the bars have cooled completely to room temperature.
Use an Airtight Container: Place the bars in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within a week. They can last up to 5-7 days.
Freeze for Longer Storage: If you want to keep them for a longer time, freeze the bars.

Can Apple Cheesecake Bars Be Frozen?

Yes, apple cheesecake bars can be frozen for later enjoyment! Here’s how to do it properly:

Cut into Portions: Slice the bars into individual servings before freezing.
Wrap Securely: Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the container with the date so you can remember when you made them.

These bars can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Why Is My Cheesecake Soft?

A soft cheesecake can be frustrating, especially when you’re aiming for a firm and creamy texture. Here are some common reasons why your cheesecake might turn out soft:

Underbaking: If the cheesecake is not cooked long enough, it may not set properly. Always follow baking times and check for doneness.
Too Much Liquid: Adding too much liquid (like cream or eggs) can make the filling too runny. Measure ingredients carefully.
Rapid Cooling: Cooling the cheesecake too quickly can cause it to crack and become soft. Let it cool slowly at room temperature before refrigerating.
Not Enough Chilling: Cheesecake needs time to chill in the fridge to set properly. Ideally, let it chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Variations Of Apple Cheesecake Bars

There are countless ways to customize apple cheesecake bars to fit your taste. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple layer before adding the crumble for extra sweetness.
Nutty Crust: Replace some of the digestive biscuits in the crust with crushed nuts like almonds or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.
Spiced Pumpkin Version: Mix in some pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice with the cheesecake filling for a fall twist.
Berry Blend: Swap out some of the apples for fresh berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, to create a colorful fruit medley.
Chocolate Drizzle: Top the finished bars with melted chocolate for a rich and indulgent touch.

Why Didn’t My Cheesecake Set?

A cheesecake that doesn’t set can be disappointing. Here are some common reasons and how to avoid them:

Incorrect Baking Time: Cheesecakes need the right amount of baking time. If it’s underbaked, it may stay soft. Always check for doneness; the center should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
Temperature of Ingredients: If the cream cheese or eggs are too cold, they won’t mix well, leading to a runny texture. Let them sit at room temperature before using.
Too Much Liquid: Adding extra ingredients like cream can make the cheesecake too watery. Stick to the recipe measurements for best results.
Rapid Cooling: If the cheesecake cools too quickly, it may crack and not set properly. Allow it to cool gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.

Can Apple Cheesecake Bars Be Made Gluten-Free?

Yes! You can easily make apple cheesecake bars gluten-free with a few simple swaps. Here’s how:

Use Gluten-Free Biscuits: Choose gluten-free digestive biscuits or graham crackers for the crust.
Gluten-Free Flour: If your recipe calls for flour in the crumble topping, replace it with a gluten-free flour blend.
Check Other Ingredients: Make sure that any other ingredients you use, like baking powder or caramel sauce, are labeled gluten-free.

How To Cut Cheesecake Bars Neatly?

Cutting cheesecake bars can be tricky, but a few tips can help you make clean cuts every time:

Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will cut through the bars without squishing them. A serrated knife can work well, too.
Clean the Knife Between Cuts: After each cut, wipe the knife with a damp cloth or paper towel. This helps keep the edges clean and neat.
Chill Before Cutting: Make sure the cheesecake bars are well-chilled. Cold bars hold their shape better, making it easier to slice.
Use a Straight Edge: If you want even pieces, consider using a ruler or a straight edge to guide your cuts.