Save Cream cheese, apple, and spiced oat layers combine for a comforting dessert bar with creamy, crunchy, and warmly spiced flavors in every bite.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
👉 Check current price, colors, and coupon on Amazon
(Affiliate link — if you choose to buy, it helps support this recipe blog at no extra cost to you ❤️)
This recipe quickly became a family favorite for holiday gatherings and cozy evenings at home.
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Ingredients
- Crust: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cheesecake Layer: 8 ounces cream cheese softened, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Apple Filling: 2 medium apples peeled cored and diced, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Crisp Topping: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup rolled oats, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
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Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Prepare Crust:
- Mix flour granulated sugar melted butter and salt in a medium bowl until crumbly. Press evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
- Make Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract mixing until just combined. Spread evenly over the slightly cooled crust.
- Prepare Apple Filling:
- Toss diced apples with brown sugar cinnamon nutmeg and lemon juice until well coated. Distribute evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Make Crisp Topping:
- Combine flour oats brown sugar and cinnamon. Add cold cubed butter and blend until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35 40 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the center is set.
- Cool and Chill:
- Cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and slicing into bars.
Save These bars have been a hit at every family gathering bringing smiles and requests for seconds.
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Notes
For extra crunch add an additional handful of oats to the topping before baking. Bars store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
Required Tools
8x8-inch baking pan Parchment paper Mixing bowls Electric mixer or whisk Pastry blender or fork Spatula Knife for slicing
Nutritional Information
Calories 190 Total Fat 10 g Carbohydrates 24 g Protein 2 g (per bar estimated)
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These Apple Crisp Cheesecake Bars balance creamy and crunchy textures perfectly for a delightful dessert.
Recipe FAQ
- → What kind of apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness and complement the spiced oat topping well.
- → Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the crust in advance and chilling it before baking helps maintain a firm base for the layers.
- → How do I ensure a creamy cheesecake layer?
Soften the cream cheese fully and beat with sugar until smooth before adding egg and vanilla to avoid lumps.
- → What is the best way to get a crunchy topping?
Using cold cubed butter blended with oats, flour, and sugar creates a crumbly topping that crisps nicely during baking.
- → How long should the bars be chilled before serving?
Chill for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set, making slicing clean and easy.
- → Can I add extra oats to the topping?
Yes, adding more oats increases the crunch and texture, enhancing the overall bite.
