Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake filling)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for apple tossing)
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring there is enough overhang on the sides to lift the bars out later. Lightly grease any exposed pan surfaces with cooking spray.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work in the 3/4 cup of softened butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are just barely golden.
- While the crust is baking, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Beat on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix and incorporate too much air.
- In a separate small bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons of sugar, the cinnamon, and the nutmeg. Ensure every piece of apple is well-coated with the spice mixture.
- In another small bowl, whisk together the oats, brown sugar, and 1/3 cup of flour. Add the cold, cubed butter. Use a fork or pastry blender to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until you have a crumbly streusel texture.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the warm, pre-baked crust. Spread the spiced apples evenly over the cheesecake layer. Finally, sprinkle the streusel topping over the apples. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the cheesecake layer to firm up before slicing into squares.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian