Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars Delightful and Easy Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 packages (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• 0.25 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
3. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, smoothing it out with a spatula.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, oats, flour, walnuts (if using), and salt. Toss until the apples are coated evenly.
7. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer, making sure to spread it out well so every bite has apples.
8. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the cheesecake is set.
9. Allow the dessert to cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment overhang to lift the bars out, then slice into squares.
10. You can serve them plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.