Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Why You Should Make Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good dessert? Imagine biting into a deliciously creamy cheesecake with a warm, cinnamon-apple topping and a crunchy streusel. Sounds dreamy, right? These Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars bring together the best of both worlds—smooth cheesecake meets soft, spiced apples, all topped with that irresistible crumbly goodness. Plus, they slice up nicely, making them perfect for sharing (or not, we won’t judge 😉).
How to Make Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Making these bars is straightforward, even if you’re not the next MasterChef. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have dessert bliss on your plate in no time. The best part? No fancy kitchen gadgets required! Just your trusty mixing bowls and a baking pan.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following for a delightful batch of Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs (Use finely crushed crumbs for better texture.)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted (Melted for ease of mixing.)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened (Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending.)
- 1 cup sugar (Granulated sugar.)
- 2 large eggs (Room temperature for better incorporation.)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (Pure vanilla extract recommended.)
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (About 4 medium-sized apples.)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (Ground cinnamon for flavor.)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (To coat the apples.)
- 1/2 cup oats (Old-fashioned oats recommended.)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (Light or dark brown sugar works.)
- 1/4 cup flour (Additional flour for crumb texture.)
- 1/4 cup butter, melted (To mix with the streusel ingredients.)
Directions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake.
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. This will be the crust.
- In another bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Baking
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over the crust evenly.
- In a third bowl, toss the apple slices with cinnamon and 1/4 cup flour. Spread this delicious apple mix over the cheesecake layer.
- For the streusel, combine the old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and melted butter in a bowl. Mix well, then sprinkle evenly over the apples.
- Bake in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are slightly golden.
Cooling and Serving
- Let it cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then pop it in the fridge for a couple of hours to chill completely. Patience is key here!
How to Serve Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Cut these beauties into squares and enjoy. They’re fantastic plain, but if you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce or dollop some whipped cream on top. Serve them up at your next gathering, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “dessert”! 😋
How to Store Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Make sure your leftovers (if there are any!) are stored properly. Just cover them in plastic wrap or transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Tips to Make Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
- Prep Ahead: Make the crust and cheesecake filling a day in advance for an even easier baking day.
- Apple Choices: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a better flavor profile!
- No Oats?: If you’re not keen on oats, you can replace them with additional graham cracker crumbs for the streusel.
Variations
Feeling adventurous? You can adjust the flavors by adding nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the streusel for an extra crunch, or even switch out the apples for pears for a different fruit twist. It’s all about making it your own!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought crust instead of making my own?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, grab a pre-made graham cracker crust. Just skip the assembly step for the crust.
What should I do if my cheesecake cracks while baking?
Don’t stress! A little crack won’t ruin the taste. You can always cover it up with the streusel topping or some whipped cream when serving.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese?
You can, but the texture and flavor will differ. Greek yogurt will give it a tangy taste, while cream cheese offers smooth creaminess. Try it if you’re adventurous!
These Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars are bound to become a go-to dessert in your home. So why not whip them up this weekend? Trust us, your taste buds will thank you later! 🎉
Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over the crust evenly.
- In a third bowl, toss the apple slices with cinnamon and 1/4 cup flour. Spread this mixture over the cheesecake layer.
- For the streusel, combine oats, brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, and melted butter. Mix well and sprinkle over the apples.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes, until the cheesecake is set and edges are slightly golden.
- Let the bars cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, then refrigerate for a couple of hours to chill completely.
- Cut into squares and enjoy! Optionally, drizzle with caramel sauce or top with whipped cream.
