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- 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened - 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer) - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups diced apples (peeled and cored) - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Gathering these ingredients is the first step to make Apple Pie Cheesecake Streusel Bars. The base of the bars comes from a blend of flour and oats. This mix gives a great texture. The brown sugar and granulated sugar add sweetness, while baking soda helps the bars rise. For flavor, a bit of cinnamon and salt brings out the best in the apples. The melted butter brings all the dry ingredients together and makes the crust rich. For the cheesecake layer, cream cheese is key. Mix it with sugar, an egg, and vanilla extract for a smooth filling. The apples play an important role too. Diced apples, along with lemon juice and cornstarch, create a tasty fruit layer. The cornstarch helps to thicken the juices from the apples as they cook. Finally, ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice to the apple mixture. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious dessert that brings together the flavors of apple pie and cheesecake in every bite. 1. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your bars bake evenly. 2. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the bars out later. 3. In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients for the crust: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt 4. Stir these dry ingredients until they mix well. 5. Add 1/2 cup of melted butter to the dry mix. Stir until it becomes crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the topping. 6. Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of your baking dish to form a crust. 7. Bake this crust in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes. After baking, let it cool slightly. 1. In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of diced apples with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. This keeps the apples fresh and bright. 2. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the apple mix. 3. Toss the ingredients together to coat the apples evenly. This will add flavor and help thicken the filling. 1. Spread the cheesecake layer over the cooled crust. For the cheesecake layer, beat together: - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2. Evenly distribute the apple mixture on top of the cheesecake layer. 3. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples. This creates a delicious streusel topping. 4. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes. The topping should turn golden brown, and the cheesecake should be set. 5. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. For the best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours before cutting into bars. - Baking Pan Substitutions: If you don’t have an 8x8 inch pan, try a 9x9 inch pan. The bars may bake faster, so keep an eye on them. If using a glass dish, lower the oven temperature by 25°F. This helps avoid burning. - Cooling and Chilling Instructions: After baking, let the bars cool completely in the pan. This step is key for flavor. Once cool, chill them in the fridge for about 2 hours. Chilling enhances the taste and helps set the cheesecake layer. - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars chilled on a nice platter. Dust them with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. You can drizzle caramel sauce over the top. For extra delight, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. - Pairing Options: These bars go great with coffee or tea. You can also serve them with apple cider for a warm, cozy feel. Sparkling water adds a refreshing twist, too! - Overmixing the Cheesecake Layer: Mix the cheesecake ingredients just until smooth. Overmixing can introduce air, which may lead to cracks during baking. We want a creamy texture, not a fluffy one. - Incorrect Slicing Methods: Let the bars cool completely before slicing. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges. This technique gives you nice, neat squares that look great on a plate. {{image_2}} You can change up this dessert in fun ways. Adding spices like nutmeg or ginger gives a warm touch. These spices can bring out the flavors of the apples. You might also want to try adding nuts or chocolate chips. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. Chocolate chips can add a sweet twist to the bars. If you need gluten-free options, use almond or oat flour. These flours work well in the crust. You can still enjoy the same great taste. For a vegan version, use dairy-free cream cheese and a flax egg instead of a regular egg. These swaps keep the bars tasty while meeting dietary needs. You can switch the fruit toppings based on the season. Try using pears or peaches for a new flavor. Apples are great, but other fruits can shine too. Adjust the spices for fall or winter. For instance, add more cinnamon or nutmeg during colder months. This way, you can enjoy these bars all year long. To keep your Apple Pie Cheesecake Streusel Bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container to avoid drying out. If you want to freeze them, wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then put it in a freezer bag. This method helps keep the bars moist and tasty. The bars stay fresh in the fridge for about 5 days. In the freezer, they can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for changes in color or a strange smell. If you see any mold, it’s best to discard them. To reheat the bars, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the bars on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. For the microwave, heat for about 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat; this can make them dry. Enjoy your warm bars with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel! If you want to swap out cream cheese, there are great options. You can use dairy-free cream cheese, which works well. Tofu blended smooth is another option. It gives a nice texture. For a vegan choice, use cashew cream. Just soak cashews and blend until smooth. Add a bit of lemon juice for tang. Yes, you can prep these bars in advance. Make the crust and cheesecake layer a day before. Store them in the fridge. Just wait to add the apple layer and streusel until the day you serve. This keeps everything fresh. Your bars are done when the streusel is golden brown. The cheesecake layer should look set and not jiggly. Check the edges; they might pull away from the pan slightly. A toothpick inserted should come out clean. You can double the recipe easily. Use a 9x13 inch pan for more bars. You might need to bake a bit longer, about 5 to 10 minutes more. Just watch for the same signs of doneness. We explored a tasty recipe for apple cheesecake bars, from gathering ingredients to serving tips. Each step helps you create a delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Remember to try different flavors and variations to make it your own. Store your bars properly for freshness, and enjoy them warm or chilled. With these tips in hand, you'll make amazing apple cheesecake bars every time. Happy baking!

Apple Pie Cheesecake Streusel Bars

Indulge in the deliciousness of Apple Pie Cheesecake Streusel Bars! This delightful dessert combines creamy cheesecake with spiced apples and a crunchy streusel topping, perfect for any occasion. With easy-to-follow steps, you'll have a mouthwatering treat ready to impress friends and family. Don’t miss out on this unique recipe that brings together two classic favorites. Click to discover how to make these irresistible bars today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake layer)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups diced apples (peeled and cored)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.

    In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir until thoroughly mixed.

      Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly. Reserve 1 cup of this mixture for the streusel topping.

        Press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly.

          In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended.

            In a separate bowl, combine diced apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Toss to coat the apples evenly.

              Spread the cheesecake mixture over the pre-baked crust. Evenly distribute the apple mixture on top of the cheesecake layer.

                Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples to form the streusel topping.

                  Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and the cheesecake layer is set.

                    Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars.

                      For the best flavor, chill in the refrigerator for about 2 hours before serving, and then slice into squares.

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hr 10 mins | 9 servings

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve bars chilled on a platter, dusted with powdered sugar, and drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra treat. Optionally, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.