Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Creamy, cinnamon-spiced, and irresistibly sweet — these Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the best of both worlds: classic apple pie and rich, velvety cheesecake. A buttery crust, smooth filling, and caramel-drizzled apple topping make this dessert a guaranteed fall favorite!
Inspired by cozy fall flavors and the creamy texture of New York–style cheesecake, these Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars deliver comfort and indulgence without the fuss of making a full pie.
Each bite has a perfect balance of buttery crust, tangy cream cheese, and warm, cinnamon-sweet apples.
Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a potluck, or just treating yourself, these bars are easy to make, easy to share, and impossible to resist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two Desserts in One: The perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and classic apple pie.
- Easy to Slice & Serve: Bars make portioning simple — ideal for parties and gatherings.
- Cozy Fall Flavors: Packed with cinnamon, caramel, and tender baked apples.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill and store overnight for stress-free entertaining.
- Beautifully Layered: Golden crust, creamy center, and glossy apple topping that looks as good as it tastes.
Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs or use crushed gingersnaps for extra spice
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (use coconut oil for dairy-free)
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened (substitute vegan cream cheese if needed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- For the Apple Pie Topping:
- 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thickening
- 2 tablespoons water
- Optional Garnish:
- Drizzle of caramel sauce
- Sprinkle of sea salt or chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Make the Crust:
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth and creamy (about 1–2 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined.
- Tip: Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.
- Cook the Apple Topping:
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are tender and syrupy.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. The top should look glossy and lightly golden.
- Cool & Chill:
- Let the bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or overnight) until fully set.
- Serve:
- Drizzle with caramel sauce and slice into bars. Serve chilled or slightly room temperature for a creamy texture.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Shortcut Version: Use canned apple pie filling instead of homemade apples — just drain slightly before layering.
- Healthier Option: Replace some cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Crust Swap: Try crushed shortbread cookies or oatmeal cookies for a unique twist.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and dairy-free cream cheese for a fully plant-based dessert.
- Storage: Store bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months — wrap tightly in plastic and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: Drizzle with salted caramel, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
- Pair With: A warm cup of coffee, spiced chai, or apple cider.
- Occasions: Perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables, fall potlucks, or holiday gatherings.
- Presentation Tip: Slice into clean squares and serve on a white platter with caramel drizzle for that bakery-style look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! These bars are best made a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop and the cheesecake to set perfectly.
Can I freeze the cheesecake bars?
Absolutely. Freeze them in an airtight container with parchment between layers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I serve them warm?
They’re best chilled, but you can let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving if you prefer a softer texture.
