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
