Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These bars combine the richness of cream cheese with the tartness of apples and a crispy oatmeal crust. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy during apple season or any time you’re craving a fall-inspired treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
- All-purpose flour
- Brown sugar
- Quick-cooking oats
- Ground cinnamon
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Unsalted butter, melted
For the cream cheese filling:
- Cream cheese
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
For the apple mixture:
- Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- All-purpose flour
- Light brown sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the crust ingredients and press into the dish, baking for 18-20 minutes until golden.
- Prepare the cream cheese filling by beating the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla, then adding eggs.
- Toss the apples with flour, sugar, and cinnamon, then layer them over the crust.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the apples, topping with the reserved oat mixture.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden.
- Cool to room temperature and chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12 bars
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Variations
- Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) for a crunchy texture.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving for extra sweetness.
- Use other apple varieties, like Honeycrisp, for different flavors.
Storage/Reheating
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds if preferred warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use other fruits in place of apples?
Yes, pears or peaches would work well as substitutes.
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
3. How can I make the crust vegan?
Substitute butter with a vegan butter option.
4. Can I freeze these bars?
Yes, they freeze well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly before freezing.
5. How do I prevent the cream cheese layer from cracking?
Let the bars cool completely before cutting to avoid cracks.
6. Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, the crust can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container.
7. How do I know when the bars are done?
The top should be golden brown and the filling should be set.
8. Can I skip the oatmeal topping?
Yes, though the topping adds crunch, you can omit it for a smoother texture.
9. Can I use a hand mixer for the cream cheese mixture?
Yes, a hand mixer is perfect for achieving a smooth filling.
10. Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in both the cream cheese filling and the apple mixture for a less sweet version.
Conclusion
Apple Cream Cheese Bars are the ultimate autumn dessert, with layers of creamy filling, tender apples, and a crumbly topping. Easy to make and perfect for sharing, these bars are sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Apple Cream Cheese Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These irresistible Apple Cream Cheese Bars combine the sweetness of fresh apples with creamy, tangy cream cheese and a buttery crust, creating a decadent dessert bar. Perfect for fall, they’re easy to make and perfect for a cozy family treat or a special occasion!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the filling:
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- For the topping:
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and vanilla extract. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly. - Make the apple filling:
In a separate bowl, toss the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of flour and cinnamon. This helps thicken the filling. Set aside. - Make the cream cheese filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined. Gently fold in the flour until the mixture is smooth. - Assemble the bars:
Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust. Top with the cinnamon-sugar apples. Sprinkle the prepared topping (a mixture of flour, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon) evenly over the apples. - Bake:
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the filling is set and the top is lightly golden. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. - Serve:
Slice into bars and serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy the creamy, apple-filled goodness!
Notes
- You can use any apple variety you prefer, but tart apples like Granny Smith will give a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cream cheese filling.
- For a little extra crunch, you can sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top of the bars before baking.
- These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
