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- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - ¾ cup granulated sugar - 2 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) Cream cheese gives the bars a rich and creamy texture. Granulated sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples. I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for their crispness and flavor. - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons brown sugar The graham cracker crumbs create a nice, crunchy base. Combine them with melted butter and brown sugar for extra flavor. This mixture will hold the bars together. - ½ cup old-fashioned oats - ½ cup brown sugar (for topping) - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ¼ cup all-purpose flour - ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional) Old-fashioned oats add a chewy texture to the top. Brown sugar, nutmeg, and walnuts (if you choose) enhance the flavor. This topping gives a classic crisp finish to your cheesecake bars. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This helps you lift the bars out later. 3. In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ½ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir until it looks like wet sand. 4. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Make it even. 5. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then take it out to cool slightly. 1. In a large bowl, beat 2 packages of softened cream cheese and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Keep mixing until smooth. 2. Add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix until well blended. 3. Gently fold in 2 cups of chopped apples. Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor. 1. In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup of old-fashioned oats, ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. If you like, add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts for crunch. 2. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients. 3. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cheesecake layer. Spread it out with a spatula to cover every bit. Now, you’re ready to bake! Enjoy the sweet smell as it fills your kitchen. For these bars, I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp offers sweetness and crunch. Both have great texture and flavor. When picking apples, look for firm, shiny skin. Soft spots mean they’re old. If you can, try to smell them. Fresh apples have a sweet, strong scent. Mixing the cream cheese smoothly is key for a creamy texture. First, let your cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes. This helps it soften. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on low speed to blend with sugar. Start slow, then increase speed. This way, you avoid lumps. Make sure there are no bits of cream cheese left. Knowing when your bars are done can be tricky. Bake them for 35 to 40 minutes. The edges should look set, and the center will jiggle slightly. After baking, let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack. They will firm up as they cool. If you cut them too soon, they may fall apart. Patience is key for the best results! {{image_2}} You can make your apple crisp cheesecake bars even better by adding spices. Try mixing in ground nutmeg or ginger. Nutmeg gives a warm flavor that pairs well with apples. Ginger adds a nice kick, too. Start with ½ teaspoon of each spice. Adjust to your taste. This small change can elevate your bars and surprise your friends! While walnuts and oats are classic toppings, you can switch things up. Try using pecans instead of walnuts for a richer taste. You can also add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. If you want a crunch, swap oats for crushed graham crackers. Each topping gives a new texture and flavor. Experiment and find your favorite combo! If you need a gluten-free version, you can easily adapt this recipe. Just use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. They work just as well and taste great. Make sure to check the labels on other ingredients, too. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious cheesecake bars! Store your leftover apple crisp cheesecake bars in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can also use a glass dish with a lid. If you stack the bars, place parchment paper between layers. This prevents sticking. To freeze, first cool the bars completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove excess air. To thaw, move the bars to the fridge for several hours or overnight. You can also let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. Fresh apple crisp cheesecake bars will last about 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage. If you freeze them, they can stay good for up to three months. Enjoy them while they taste their best! Yes, you can use alternatives if you want a dairy-free option. Silken tofu works well as a substitute. It gives a similar creamy texture. You can also use vegan cream cheese. Both options still yield tasty bars. Check the edges of the bars. They should look set and slightly golden. The center may jiggle a bit, which is normal. It will firm up as it cools. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. Yes, you can prepare these bars in advance. Bake them and let them cool. Then, cover and store them in the fridge. They taste even better after a day. Just cut and serve when ready. You learned how to make delicious Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars. We covered the main ingredients, from cream cheese to apples, and how to make a tasty crust. I shared steps for mixing and baking. You can also try variations to change up flavors and textures. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy later. With these tips and tricks, you can create a treat that's sure to impress. Dive into this recipe, and have fun in your kitchen!

Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the perfect dessert fusion with these delicious apple crisp cheesecake bars! With a creamy cheesecake base topped with a crunchy oat mixture and fresh apples, every bite is a taste sensation. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on your own, these bars are easy to make and irresistibly tasty. Click through to discover the full recipe and treat yourself today!
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Ingredients
  

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

½ cup old-fashioned oats

½ cup brown sugar (for topping)

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.

    In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar until well combined.

      Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form a crust layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

        In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon, mixing until fully incorporated.

          Fold in the chopped apples gently until evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake mixture.

            Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.

              In a separate bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, nutmeg, all-purpose flour, and chopped walnuts (if using). Mix well.

                Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. It will firm up as it cools.

                    Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

                      Once cooled, lift the cheesecake bars out using the parchment paper overhang and cut them into squares.

                        Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 16 bars

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the apple crisp cheesecake bars on a decorative platter, drizzled with caramel sauce and garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream on the side.