Save 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 favorite at our family gatherings, especially loved for its unique blend of cheesecake and apple crisp.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare Crust:
- Mix flour, granulated sugar, melted butter, and salt in a medium bowl until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Make Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until just combined. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
- Prepare Apple Filling:
- Toss diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Make Crisp Topping:
- Combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and blend with your fingers or a pastry blender until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Chill:
- Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into bars.
Save Our kids love helping to sprinkle the oat topping and always ask for an extra scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside.
Additional Tips
For extra crunch, add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking. Bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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.
Save This dessert is a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures sure to please any crowd.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a balanced sweetness and hold their shape well when baked.
- → How can I achieve a crisp topping?
Use cold, cubed butter and blend it with the flour, oats, and sugar until coarse crumbs form for a crunchy finish.
- → Can these bars be made ahead?
Yes, chilling the bars for at least two hours before slicing helps them set and makes for clean portions.
- → How long do the bars keep?
Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to four days to maintain freshness.
- → Can oats be added to the topping for extra texture?
Adding an extra handful of oats before baking increases crunch and adds hearty texture.