Description
Simple recipe for baked apple cheesecake bars with a shortbread crust.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- For the crust, combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, and salt in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
- While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. Beat the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until just combined.
- In a separate small bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the warm baked crust. Sprinkle the seasoned apples over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is mostly set.
- Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before lifting out using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares.
Notes
- You can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best texture.
- Chill the bars for at least 2 hours before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 85
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 23
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: apple, cheesecake, bars, dessert, shortbread crust, baked