Apple Cheesecake Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

Apple Cheesecake Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

Imagine sinking your teeth into a deliciously creamy dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of apples with the rich flavor of cheesecake. Sounds dreamy, right? That’s exactly what you’ll get with these Apple Cheesecake Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust! This delightful recipe marries creamy, smooth cheesecake with the cozy embrace of seasonal apples, all resting on a buttery, crumbly shortbread crust. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet end to your day, these bars are a family favorite!

Did you know that cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece? Fast forward a few centuries, and you’re looking at a modern twist that transforms a classic into a convenient and shareable dessert bar. What sets these bars apart is not just their creamy texture, but the ease with which they come together. In less than an hour, you can have an irresistible sweet treat that will wow your friends and family. Plus, if you loved our previous recipe for Classic Brownies, you’re in for an equally delectable experience with these bars. So grab your mixing bowls, and let’s embark on this sweet adventure!

What are Apple Cheesecake Bars?

You might be wondering, "What on earth are Apple Cheesecake Bars?" Well, picture a charming blend of flavors that come together to create a sweet symphony! These bars take the beloved cheesecake and infuse it with delightful chunks of fresh apples, all layered atop a perfectly buttery shortbread crust. You may even find yourself chuckling at the sheer brilliance of this combination. After all, who wouldn’t be thrilled to enjoy apple pie meets classic cheesecake in a portable format? As they say, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!” So, why not charm your loved ones with these irresistible bars? Give this recipe a try and watch how it brightens everyone’s day!

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cheesecake Bars

These Apple Cheesecake Bars are not just delicious; they’re downright perfect for several reasons! First and foremost, the combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet, tender apples creates a satisfying dish that will leave your taste buds dancing. Plus, making homemade desserts like these bars is usually more cost-effective than buying pre-made ones, letting you save a few bucks while delighting your family!

What truly sets these bars apart is that they can be topped with a drizzle of caramel sauce or even a sprinkle of cinnamon, elevating them to new heights of scrumptiousness. If you enjoy these, you might also want to explore our delectable Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars for a different flavor experience. Trust me; you won’t regret trying your hand at making these bars—they’re easy, budget-friendly, and utterly delightful!

How to Make Apple Cheesecake Bars

Quick Overview

With a preparation time of just about 15 minutes and a baking time of 35 minutes, these Apple Cheesecake Bars are perfect for a last-minute dessert. They require only simple ingredients and methods that result in a creamy, flavorful treat that everyone will rave about!

Key Ingredients for Apple Cheesecake Bars

• For the Shortbread Crust:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

• For the Cheesecake Filling:

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan.

2. Make the Shortbread Crust: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Press this dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, then bake for 15 minutes.

3. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: While the crust is baking, whip together the softened cream cheese and sugar in a separate bowl until creamy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.

4. Add the Apples: Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly mixed.

5. Combine and Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture over the shortbread crust and smooth it out. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and lightly golden.

6. Cool and Slice: Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature!

What to Serve Apple Cheesecake Bars With

These delightful bars can stand on their own, but they pair beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You could also offer a side of fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor, or serve them alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea — perfect for afternoon gatherings!

Top Tips for Perfecting Apple Cheesecake Bars

To ensure your Apple Cheesecake Bars are perfect every time, here are a few handy tips:

• Use room temperature ingredients: This helps in achieving a smoother cream cheese mixture.
• Don’t overmix the eggs: This can lead to cracking in your cheesecake.
• Experiment with spices: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile of the apple filling.

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Apple Cheesecake Bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week; they can also be frozen for up to three months! To freeze, wrap the bars tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight and enjoy them cold or at room temperature.

Try this delightful dessert, and watch as your family and friends gather around for seconds! Happy baking!

Apple Cheesecake Bars

A deliciously creamy dessert that combines the sweetness of apples with rich cheesecake, all on a buttery shortbread crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 12 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature.
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Filling

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened Use room temperature for smoother mixing.
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs Add eggs one at a time.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2-3 pieces apples, peeled, cored, and chopped Use your favorite apple variety.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the flour and salt, mixing until the dough comes together. Press this dough firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, then bake for 15 minutes.

Cheesecake Filling

1. While the crust is baking, whip together the softened cream cheese and sugar in a separate bowl until creamy.
2. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
3. Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly mixed.

Combine and Bake

1. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the shortbread crust and smooth it out.
2. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and lightly golden.

Cooling and Serving

1. Allow the bars to cool in the pan before slicing them into squares.
2. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For added flavor, top with caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to three months.