Indulge in the delightful fusion of two classic desserts with our Dutch Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars. These decadent treats combine the comforting flavors of a Dutch apple pie with the creamy richness of cheesecake, creating a dessert that’s sure to impress friends and family. With layers of spiced apple filling, a velvety cheesecake center, and a buttery, crumbly crust, these bars offer the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and creamy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply craving a delicious dessert, these bars are a mouthwatering delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. Follow our easy recipe, and let’s get started on creating this delectable dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite.
It’s that time of year again – apple season is upon us, and to mark the occasion, I’m excited to introduce you to these absolutely sensational Dutch Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars! Picture a graham cracker crust infused with the warmth of cinnamon, a luscious layer of cheesecake enriched with fragrant vanilla beans, apples lovingly coated in a blend of sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, all topped off with my personal favorite: a delectable streusel topping. Simply put, these bars are a culinary masterpiece that will leave you saying, ‘Wow!’
Ingredients
- 16 oz King Arthur Flour Essential Goodness Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bar Mix
Graham Cracker Crust
- ¼ cup butter melted
- graham cracker crust mix from box
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- cheesecake filling mix from box
- 2 eggs room temperature
Apple Pie Layer
- 3 medium or 4 small Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, chopped into small pieces
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ⅓ cup oats
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup pecan halves
- 6 tbsp cold butter cut into small pieces
- caramel sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F.
- LIghtly grease a 9-inch square pan. Line with parchment paper(optional).
Graham Cracker Crust
- Mix together the melted butter and crust mix in a small bowl until you achieve a uniform consistency.
- Now, press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create an even layer.
- Bake for approximately 14 minutes, and remove from the oven once it’s done baking.
Cheesecake Layer
- Whisk together the cream cheese and the filling mix until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix until well combined, and don’t forget to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl as necessary.
- Now, pour the cheesecake mixture evenly over the hot crust.
Apple Pie Layer
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, ensuring that the apples are coated evenly with this delightful spice mixture.
- Next, evenly distribute the apple mixture on top of the creamy cheesecake layer.
Streusel Topping
- Place all the streusel ingredients in a food processor and pulse until the largest pieces are no larger than a pea.
- Gently and evenly distribute the streusel layer over the apples, ensuring it covers the apple pie layer thoroughly.
- Bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until the topping turns a beautiful golden brown and only the center of the pan wiggles slightly when gently shaken.
- Allow the bars to cool at room temperature for one hour. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator and let them chill for a minimum of 3 hours, or if possible, overnight. This chilling process helps set the bars.
- Optionally, drizzle caramel sauce on top just before serving for an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Enjoy your Dutch Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars!
ENJOY!