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Apple Cheesecake Bars

Get ready for a dessert that has everything you love in one bite! These Apple Cheesecake Bars combine the creamy smoothness of cheesecake, the comforting sweetness of cinnamon-spiced apples, and the buttery crunch of a streusel topping. Every layer is perfectly balanced — from the golden crust to the rich filling and crumbly top. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, potluck, or just because, this recipe guarantees warm, cozy fall flavors in every bite.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Chilling Time2 hours
Total Time3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 16

Ingredients

For the Crust

  • 50 Nilla Wafer Cookies
  • 12 Graham Cracker Sheets
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 12 tablespoons melted butter

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup sugar plus 2 tablespoons divided
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • ½ cup quick-cooking oats

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • In a food processor, combine Nilla Wafers, graham crackers, and cinnamon; pulse into fine crumbs. Add melted butter and pulse until combined.
  • Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool slightly.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined.
  • Toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons sugar and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, then gently fold them into the cheesecake batter.
  • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
  • In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, brown sugar, and softened butter with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the cheesecake layer.
  • Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
  • Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
  • Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
  • Chill the bars fully before slicing for neat, clean edges.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.