Imagine the perfect harmony of creamy cheesecake, spiced apples, and a buttery crumble topping. That’s exactly what you get with these Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars—a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The layers of rich, velvety cheesecake, tender cinnamon-kissed apples, and crunchy streusel come together for a treat that’s both indulgent and comforting.
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Whether you’re a cheesecake lover, an apple pie enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a dessert that melts in your mouth, trust me—this one’s a keeper.
Why You’ll Love Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Versatile: Whether you’re making these for a holiday gathering, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve something sweet, they fit every occasion.
Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, so you don’t need to break the bank to create something truly special.
Easy to Make: No fancy baking skills required—just simple steps that anyone can follow.
Perfect Texture: A dreamy combination of creamy, crunchy, and tender.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served warm or chilled, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients in Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Graham Cracker Crust: The buttery, slightly sweet base that holds everything together.
Cream Cheese: The heart of the cheesecake layer, giving it that rich and creamy texture.
Sugar: Sweetens up the cheesecake and balances the tartness of the apples.
Eggs: Help bind the cheesecake layer together for a smooth, custard-like consistency.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the filling.
Apples: The star of the show! Use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Essential spices that bring warmth and depth to the apple layer.
Brown Sugar: Gives the crumble topping a deep, caramelized sweetness.
Butter: Keeps the crumble topping rich and crispy.
Flour & Oats: Create the perfect crunchy streusel topping.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until combined. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes, then let it cool.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly over the cooled crust.
Layer the Apples: Toss diced apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Evenly distribute them over the cheesecake layer.
Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle generously over the apples.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and the topping is golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing.
Chill & Serve: For best results, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars. Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars
Warm with Ice Cream: The ultimate indulgence—serve these bars slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: A little drizzle of caramel takes these bars to the next level.
With a Cup of Coffee: The perfect pairing for a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
As-Is: They’re incredible on their own, no extra toppings needed!
Additional Tips
Make Ahead: These bars taste even better the next day! Prepare them a day in advance and store them in the fridge.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These bars freeze well! Wrap them individually and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Apple Varieties: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work best for this recipe.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust and swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of crust?
A1: Absolutely! A shortbread or vanilla wafer crust would also work beautifully.
Q2: Can I make this without eggs?
A2: Yes! Use a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer for a similar texture.
Q3: Do I need to peel the apples?
A3: It’s up to you! Peeling the apples gives a softer texture, but leaving the peel on adds a bit more chew.
Q4: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A4: Yes, they actually taste better after chilling for a few hours, so making them a day ahead is a great idea.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q6: Can I freeze these bars?
A6: Yes! Wrap them well and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q7: What’s the best way to reheat them?
A7: Warm them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for a few minutes.
Q8: Can I add nuts to the crumble?
A8: Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add great texture and flavor.
Q9: What’s the best way to cut clean bars?
A9: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for perfect slices.
Q10: Can I use a different fruit?
A10: Sure! Pears or peaches would be a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars are the kind of dessert that makes any day feel special. They’re rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—basically, the best of both cheesecake and apple pie in one bite. Whether you’re sharing them with family or keeping them all to yourself (no judgment!), this recipe is bound to become a favorite.
Print
Apple Crumble Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Crumble Cheesecake is a delightful dessert combining a spiced cookie crust, rich cheesecake filling, and a cinnamon-sugar apple topping with a buttery crumble. A perfect treat for fall gatherings or a cozy weekend bake.
Ingredients
Cookie Crust
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200g digestive or graham crackers
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1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
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1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 1/2 tbsp dark brown sugar
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50g butter, melted
Apples and Crumble
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150g apple, diced small (1-2 apples)
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1 tbsp granulated sugar
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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100g all-purpose flour
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80g dark brown sugar
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70g butter, room temperature
Cheesecake Filling
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600g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
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200g granulated sugar
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150g sour cream (14-18%), room temperature
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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3 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
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Prepare the Cookie Crust
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Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).
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In a food processor, blend cookies, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until fine.
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Add melted butter and mix until combined.
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Press into a 22 cm (9-inch) springform pan lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
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Prepare the Apples and Crumble
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Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
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In another bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and butter until crumbly.
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Make the Cheesecake Filling
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Preheat oven to 160°C (325°F).
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Beat cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute. Gradually add sugar and mix until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, mix sour cream and cornstarch. Add to cream cheese along with vanilla extract and mix.
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Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low until combined.
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Assemble and Bake
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Pour cheesecake batter over the crust.
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Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar apples on top, then the crumble.
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Place the springform pan in a larger cake pan and set in a water bath.
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Bake for 1 hour 20-30 minutes, until the center is slightly wobbly.
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Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly open, and let cool for 1 hour.
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Remove from the water bath and cool on a rack for another hour.
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Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight before serving.
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Notes
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For a firmer cheesecake, chill overnight before slicing.
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Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best tart-sweet balance.
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A water bath helps prevent cracks but can be skipped if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg