Irresistible Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars: A Sweet Comfort Treat

Decadent dessert bars that marry the classic apple crumble with creamy cheesecake create a mouthwatering fusion of flavors.

Layers of rich, velvety cheesecake blend seamlessly with warm, spiced apple crumble topping.

Sweet and tangy elements combine to deliver a delightful culinary experience that satisfies multiple dessert cravings simultaneously.

Home bakers and dessert enthusiasts will find these bars irresistibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.

The combination of buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and crunchy cinnamon-infused crumble makes these bars a standout treat.

Dessert lovers can expect a perfect balance of textures and flavors that elevate the traditional apple crumble into an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Why Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars Are A Treat

• Quick and Easy Dessert Delight: Whip up this Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars recipe with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine classic cheesecake with warm apple crumble for a dessert that satisfies everyone's sweet tooth at family gatherings and potlucks.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: Break down the recipe into simple steps that even novice bakers can master, ensuring a foolproof and impressive result every time.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this dessert in advance and refrigerate overnight, perfect for reducing day-of cooking stress and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

What You Need For Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Graham Crackers, Cookies: Base for the cheesecake bars, creating a sturdy and flavorful foundation.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps bind the crust together.
• Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust and provides rich, buttery taste.

• Cream Cheese: Primary component of the cheesecake, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, creamy consistency.
• Cornstarch: Helps stabilize the cheesecake and prevent cracking.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the filling and help create a smooth, rich texture.

• Apples: Fresh fruit component that adds natural sweetness and texture.
• Cinnamon, Sugar: Enhances the apple flavor and creates a sweet spice coating.
• Flour, Brown Sugar, Butter: Crumble topping that adds crunch and additional sweetness.

How To Bake Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Crush Cookie Base

Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).

Toss cookies, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a food processor and blend until finely ground.

Pour melted butter into the mixture and pulse until well combined.

Press the crumbly mixture firmly into a lined 22 cm (9-inch) springform pan.

Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Fruity Topping

• Sugar
• Cinnamon

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Softened butter

Step 3: Whip Creamy Filling

Beat cream cheese on low speed until smooth.

Gradually incorporate sugar and mix until fully blended.

• Sour cream
• Cornstarch

Fold this mixture into the cream cheese.

Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.

Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour creamy cheesecake batter over the prepared cookie crust.

Scatter cinnamon-sugar apple pieces across the surface.

Sprinkle the crumbly mixture on top.

Place the springform pan inside a larger cake pan filled with water.

Bake for 1 hour 20-30 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle.

Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let cool for 1 hour.

Remove from water bath and cool on a rack for another hour.

Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.

Smart Tips For Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select crisp, sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your cheesecake bars.
• Prevent Soggy Crust: Bake the cookie crust briefly before adding cheesecake filling to create a crisp, sturdy base that won't become mushy.
• Master the Water Bath: Use a water bath while baking to ensure even cooking and prevent cracks in the cheesecake, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
• Chill for Perfect Slicing: Refrigerate the cheesecake bars for at least 6 hours to allow them to set completely, making cutting and serving easier and neater.
• Customize Your Crumble: Experiment with different cookie types for the crust or add chopped nuts to the crumble topping for extra crunch and flavor variation.

How To Keep Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store leftover bars in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 2-3 months without losing quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual bars in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, let bars sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.
• Quality Tip: For best texture, consume within 3 days of preparation. The crust may become slightly softer over time, but the flavor remains delicious.

Perfect Pairings For Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the rich, creamy cheesecake and balance the sweet apple flavors.
• Serve Caramel Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a smooth, cold vanilla ice cream alongside the warm, spiced apple crumble bars to create delightful temperature and flavor contrast.
• Match Cinnamon Espresso: Pour a small shot of espresso with a hint of cinnamon to enhance the dessert's warm spices and provide a deep, robust accompaniment.
• Garnish with Candied Pecans: Sprinkle toasted, candied pecans on top to add a crunchy texture and nutty depth that perfectly matches the creamy cheesecake and apple layers.

New Twists On Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap regular cookies with gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour cookies. Use cornstarch carefully to ensure no gluten contamination.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese made from cashews or tofu. Use coconut cream instead of sour cream and dairy-free margarine for butter.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use tart green apples to reduce overall sweetness and minimize added sugars.
• Vegan Transformation: Use silken tofu or cashew cream instead of cream cheese. Replace eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacer. Select plant-based butter and dairy-free milk alternatives.

Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars FAQs

• What makes the crust unique in this recipe?

The cookie crust combines ground cookies with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, creating a flavorful and aromatic base that adds depth to the traditional cheesecake foundation.

• Why use a water bath when baking?

The water bath helps prevent the cheesecake from cracking by providing gentle, even heat and maintaining moisture during baking, which ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

• How do I know when the cheesecake is perfectly baked?

The cheesecake is done when the center is slightly wobbly but set, and the edges are firm. Overbaking can cause cracks and a dry texture, so it’s important to watch for these subtle signs.

• Can I use different types of cookies for the crust?

Yes, you can experiment with various cookies like graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or shortbread to create different flavor profiles while maintaining the basic crust structure.

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• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars blend classic dessert flavors into one irresistible treat. Creamy cheesecake layers meet cinnamon-spiced apple crumble, promising a delightful slice of comfort you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 600 grams (21 ounces) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) apple, diced small (1–2 apples)
• 200 grams (7 ounces) digestive or graham crackers

Cheesecake Components:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) granulated sugar
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) sour cream (14-18%), room temperature
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 80 grams (2.8 ounces) dark brown sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 70 grams (2.5 ounces) butter, room temperature
• 50 grams (1.8 ounces) butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational cookie base by pulverizing cookies with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a food processor until uniformly fine.
2. Incorporate melted butter into the crumb mixture, ensuring thorough integration.
3. Transfer the sandy mixture into a parchment-lined springform pan, pressing firmly and evenly to create a compact layer.
4. Gently toast the crust in a preheated oven until lightly golden, approximately 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
5. Prepare apple filling by tossing diced apples with sugar and cinnamon, allowing them to macerate and release natural juices.
6. Create a rustic crumble topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and butter, working the mixture until it resembles coarse, uneven pebbles.
7. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently cream cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually introducing sugar while maintaining a low mixing speed.
8. Whisk sour cream with cornstarch in a separate vessel, then fold into the cream cheese mixture along with fragrant vanilla extract.
9. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing minimally to preserve the delicate texture of the cheesecake batter.
10. Pour the luxurious cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, creating an even, smooth surface.
11. Artfully distribute cinnamon-infused apple pieces across the surface, then generously scatter the crumble topping.
12. Employ a water bath technique by nestling the springform pan within a larger pan filled with hot water to ensure even, gentle baking.
13. Bake until the cheesecake exhibits a subtle jiggle at its center, indicating perfect custard-like consistency.
14. After baking, allow the cheesecake to gradually cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar, preventing sudden temperature shifts.
15. Remove from the water bath and continue cooling at room temperature.
16. Refrigerate for a minimum of six hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.

Notes

• Achieving a perfectly smooth cheesecake requires gently mixing ingredients at room temperature to prevent lumps and cracks.
• Prevent soggy crust by thoroughly baking the cookie base and ensuring all moisture is removed before adding the filling.
• Create a foolproof water bath by wrapping the springform pan in multiple layers of aluminum foil to prevent water seepage and protect the delicate cheesecake.
• Swap traditional cookies with gluten-

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 29g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 80mg