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To make these tasty bars, gather these main ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for the cheesecake layer) - 1 large egg, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 2 cups diced apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped) - 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples) These ingredients create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The oats and flour form a crunchy crust. The cream cheese adds creaminess to the cheesecake layer. Fresh apples provide a sweet and tart taste. For a little extra flair, consider these toppings: - Powdered sugar for dusting - Warm caramel sauce for drizzling - Whipped cream for a fluffy finish - Vanilla ice cream for a cold treat These options enhance your bars and make them even more delightful. To make the baking process smooth, here’s what you need: - 8x8 inch baking dish - Parchment paper for easy removal - Mixing bowls for combining ingredients - Electric mixer for a smooth cheesecake layer - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy These tools help ensure your bars come out perfectly every time. First, we need to preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even baking. Grab an 8x8 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. Make sure the paper hangs over the sides. This will help us lift out the bars later. In a large bowl, mix together the following dry ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon salt Whisk these until they blend well. Pour in 1/2 cup melted butter and stir. The mix will become crumbly. Set aside 1 cup for the streusel topping. Press the rest firmly into the bottom of the dish. Bake for about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly. In a new bowl, beat 1 package of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Then add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Beat until creamy. Now, for the apple filling, take 2 cups of diced apples. Toss them with 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in another bowl. This step keeps the apples from getting too soggy. Spread the creamy cheesecake mix evenly over the cooled crust. Next, layer the apple mixture on top of the cheesecake. Spread it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the apples for that delightful streusel topping. Return the dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden brown streusel topping and a set cheesecake layer. Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. When cool, lift them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares. For best flavor, chill the bars in the fridge for 2 hours before serving. To create a great crust, use fresh ingredients. Make sure your butter is melted but not hot. Combine flour, oats, and sugars well. Press the mixture firmly into the pan. This helps form a solid base. Bake it for about 10 minutes to set. For a creamy cheesecake layer, let your cream cheese warm to room temp. Beat it well until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla slowly. Mixing thoroughly ensures a nice, even texture. Avoid overmixing, as it can add too much air. To boost flavor, use ground cinnamon in the apples. A pinch of nutmeg can add warmth. Adding a bit of lemon juice brightens the apple taste. Don't forget vanilla extract in the cheesecake layer. These small tweaks create a richer flavor profile. Serve your bars on a bright platter for a pop of color. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch. A drizzle of warm caramel sauce makes them look fancy. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra delight. These details make your bars shine! {{image_4}} You can switch up the crust for your Apple Pie Cheesecake Streusel Bars. A graham cracker crust adds a sweet crunch. Just crush the crackers and mix with melted butter and sugar. Press it down like the oat crust. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free oats and flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the bars. You can also play with the filling. While apples are classic, you can use pears or peaches for a twist. Just keep the seasonings similar. If you love nut butter, try adding almond or peanut butter to the cheesecake layer. This adds a rich, nutty flavor and makes it unique. For toppings, think beyond the streusel. Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. You can also drizzle melted chocolate on top for extra sweetness. After baking, let it cool, then add your toppings to make it look great. Each choice adds a new layer of taste to the bars. To keep your apple pie cheesecake streusel bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. They stay good for about 5 days. If you plan to keep them longer, freezing is a better option. If you want to freeze these bars, first let them cool completely. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat them, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. For the best taste, serve the bars chilled. If you prefer them warm, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for added flavor when serving. You can use both fresh and frozen apples. Fresh apples give the best flavor. If using frozen, thaw and drain them first. This helps avoid extra moisture in the bars. To make this recipe dairy-free, replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese. Use a plant-based butter substitute for the crust. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are dairy-free. For flour, you can use whole wheat or gluten-free flour. You can swap brown sugar with coconut sugar. Apples can be replaced with pears or peaches. Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for sweetness. These bars last for about five days in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Enjoy them cold or at room temperature. Yes, you can make these bars a day ahead. Let them cool completely, then chill them in the fridge. This helps the flavors meld together for a tasty treat. You now have all the steps to make delicious Apple Pie Cheesecake Streusel Bars. From the crust to the toppings, each layer builds great flavor. Remember to choose the right ingredients and tools for best results. With a few tips, you can boost the taste and look of your bars. They store well, so you can enjoy them later. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try new variations, these bars will delight everyone. Happy baking!

Apple Pie Cheesecake Streusel Bars

Indulge in the perfect blend of flavors with these Apple Pie Cheesecake Streusel Bars! A delightful treat featuring a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake, and spiced apples, all topped with a crunchy streusel. These bars are simple to make and perfect for any gathering. Ready to impress your friends and family? Click through for the full recipe and discover how to create this delicious dessert that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1/3 cup granulated sugar (for the cheesecake layer)

1 large egg, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2 cups diced apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for apples)

Instructions
 

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8x8 inch baking dish by lining it with parchment paper, ensuring enough overhang on the sides for easy removal of the bars later.

    Make the Crust: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until all ingredients are evenly combined.

      Combine Butter and Dry Ingredients: Pour the melted butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture becomes crumbly, then set aside 1 cup of this crumb mixture for the streusel topping.

        Press into Baking Dish: Firmly press the remaining crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a solid crust. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the next layers.

          Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until silky smooth. Gradually add in 1/3 cup granulated sugar, mixing until fully incorporated. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is well combined and creamy.

            Toss the Apples: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss the ingredients gently to ensure the apples are well coated.

              Layer the Filling: Spread the creamy cheesecake mixture evenly over the pre-baked crust. Next, layer the prepared apple mixture on top of the cheesecake, distributing it evenly across the surface.

                Add the Streusel Topping: Take the reserved crumb mixture and sprinkle it over the apples, creating a generous streusel topping.

                  Bake: Transfer the dish back to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the streusel topping is a beautiful golden brown and the cheesecake layer appears set.

                    Cool and Slice: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift the parchment paper to remove the bars from the dish and cut them into squares.

                      Chill for Flavor: For optimal flavor and texture, chill the bars in the refrigerator for about 2 hours before serving.

                        Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins | 1 hr 10 mins | 9 servings

                          - Presentation Tips: Serve the chilled bars on a decorative platter, dusted with a light layer of powdered sugar. Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an indulgent touch. Consider topping each square with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!