Description
These Apple Crisp Cream Cheese Bars are a comforting, triple-layered masterpiece perfect for any gathering. They combine a buttery oat crust, a velvety tangy cream cheese filling, and tart Granny Smith apples seasoned with warm cinnamon. Inspired by both traditional rugelach and American cheesecake bars, this dessert offers a perfect balance of acidity and richness. Easy to assemble using a shared oat mixture for base and topping, these bars are a reliable, crowd-pleasing treat that serves as a warm hug in dessert form.
Ingredients
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3/4 cup butter, melted
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, room temperature
3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for apple toss)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (for apple toss)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the oats, 1.5 cups flour, 1 cup brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon.
Stir in the melted butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Press two-thirds of the mixture into the prepared pan to form the base.
In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and eggs until smooth, then spread over the crust.
Toss the apple slices with 1 tablespoon flour, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon.
Arrange the apples over the cream cheese layer and sprinkle with the remaining oat mixture.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden brown.
Cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for the smoothest filling. You can store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a crunchier topping, lightly toast the oats before adding them to the flour mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 165mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg