Imagine sinking your teeth into a decadent dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and fresh apples. These Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars are not just a dessert - they're a culinary experience that will transform your ordinary day into an extraordinary moment of pure bliss. With a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cream cheese filling, and perfectly spiced apple chunks, this recipe is about to become your new go-to crowd-pleaser that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing excess paper to hang over the sides for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand.
- Press the graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Use the back of a measuring cup or flat spatula to create a compact, smooth crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy, using an electric mixer on medium speed. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the cream cheese mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, toss diced apples with ground cinnamon, ensuring all apple pieces are evenly coated.
- Gently fold the cinnamon-coated apples into the cheesecake batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Pour the cheesecake and apple mixture over the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is almost set and the edges are lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for an additional 2 hours to allow the bars to set fully.
- Using the overhanging parchment paper, lift the bars out of the pan and cut into 12 even squares.
- Serve chilled and optionally dust with additional cinnamon or top with whipped cream before serving.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Ensure cream cheese, eggs, and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Don't overmix the cheesecake batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to prevent a dense, tough texture.
- Choose the right apples: Firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for maintaining texture and balancing sweetness.
- Create a clean cut: Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between each slice for perfectly neat bars.
- Chill thoroughly: Refrigerating for at least 2 hours helps the bars set and enhances the flavor melding.
- Optional garnishes: Consider topping with caramel drizzle, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for added depth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 95mg
