Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust

When it comes to dessert, few treats can rival the luxurious experience of biting into a layer of thick, creamy cheesecake atop a buttery shortbread crust. As the flavors of sweet, spiced apples meld seamlessly with a rich, velvety cheesecake, every bite becomes a moment of pure bliss. This Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust is not just a dessert; it’s a memory waiting to happen. Reflecting on those winter evenings spent with family, this dish often conjures a sense of comfort and love. Did you know cheesecake originated in ancient Greece? Now, bringing that touch of history into your home has never been easier!

Unlike your typical cake recipes, these apple cheesecake bars are both simple and scrumptious, making them perfect for a family gathering or even a cozy night in with loved ones. If you loved my Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies, you’ll adore how these mini desserts deliver excitement in every bite. So, let’s dive into this sweet, creamy delight that’s bound to please everyone at your table!

What is Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust?

So, what exactly is this delightful treat? The name itself may make you wonder if it’s a bar, a cheesecake, or perhaps a new genre of dessert altogether! Picture this: a crumbly shortbread crust cradling a creamy cheesecake made luscious with the warmth of cinnamon and a touch of sweet, sliced apples. You might be thinking, “Is there a secret to why these are so loved?” As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and these bars are the perfect gateway! You’ll want to invite friends for a tasting party because once they taste this, they’ll be begging for the recipe. Trust me, you won’t want to keep this deliciousness to yourself!

Why You’ll Love This Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust

First and foremost, this Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust takes the classic cheesecake and adds a vibrant apple twist. You’ll find it’s not just a dessert; it’s a complete experience! The buttery crust complements the creamy filling, while the apples add a sweet crunch that can’t be beaten. You’ll love knowing that by making these bars at home, you’re saving money and avoiding those flashy bakery prices. Plus, they’re an absolute showstopper at any gathering.

While these bars shine on their own, you can amp up the indulgence with toppings like a sprinkle of cinnamon, whipped cream, or even crushed nuts. They can easily rival a slice of apple pie, but in a convenient, easy-to-eat form. So get ready to whip up this recipe that brings delicacy and comfort to your dessert table!

How to Make Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust

Quick Overview

Creating these bars is not only straightforward but truly satisfying – you’ll feel like a professional baker with minimal effort! With a preparation time of under an hour, you can have these delicious bars baked, chilled, and ready to serve in no time. The combination of the crispy shortbread crust and the smooth cheesecake is simply divine, promising delightful textures and flavors that everyone will love.

Ingredients

To create these Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars with the perfect buttery shortbread crust, you’ll need the following:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the crust. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract until a dough forms. Press this dough into the bottom of a greased 9×9-inch baking pan. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
2. Make the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Toss in the ground cinnamon and mix again to combine.
3. Toss the apples. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning. Fold the apples into the cheesecake mixture carefully, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Combine everything. Pour the cheesecake and apple mixture over the cooled shortbread crust in the baking pan. Spread it out evenly.
5. Bake it! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. You don’t want to overcook it, as it will continue to set as it cools.
6. Cool & Chill. Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing them into squares for serving.

Top Tips for Perfecting Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust

• Apple Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith will offer a nice contrast to the sweet cream cheese filling.
• Fat Alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can replace the cream cheese with a low-fat version or even blended cottage cheese for a healthier spin.
• Serving: Always serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. A quick trip in the freezer for about 30 minutes can also help firm them up if you’re short on time!

Storing and Reheating Tips

These Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them an excellent make-ahead dessert. Simply cover them with plastic wrap or foil. If you want to keep some for longer, they freeze well for up to three months! To reheat, simply let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours at room temperature, but enjoy them chilled for the best taste!

In conclusion, this Delicious Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe with Buttery Shortbread Crust is the epitome of what dessert should be: extravagant yet approachable. Perfect for every family gathering and sure to leave a lasting impression, these bars are set to be your new favorite. Grab those ingredients and let’s get baking!

Apple Cheesecake Bars with Buttery Shortbread Crust

A delightful dessert combining a buttery shortbread crust with a creamy cheesecake filling flavored with sweet apples and cinnamon.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 9 bars

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 300

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups powdered sugar
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the cheesecake filling

• 2 cups cream cheese, softened
• 1 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice To prevent browning of apples

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and vanilla extract until a dough forms.
4. Press this dough into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

Making Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Toss in the ground cinnamon and mix again to combine.

Combining Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning.
2. Fold the apples into the cheesecake mixture carefully, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
3. Pour the cheesecake and apple mixture over the cooled shortbread crust in the baking pan. Spread it out evenly.

Baking

1. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
2. Let the bars cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing them into squares for serving.

Notes

Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. If short on time, a quick trip in the freezer for about 30 minutes can also help firm them up. Variations in apple types can be tried, such as using Granny Smith for a tart contrast.