Description
A kid-friendly, forgiving dessert that bridges the gap between snack and dessert. These bars feature a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy spiced apple cheesecake filling, and are easy enough for children to help assemble.
Ingredients
Scale
- 300g (10.5 oz) shortbread cookies or Nilla Wafers
- 113g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
- 567g (2 packages, 8 oz each) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 5ml (1 tsp) pure vanilla extract
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples (~450g peeled weight), peeled and sliced or grated
- 2.5ml (1/2 tsp) ground cinnamon
- 1ml (1/4 tsp) ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
- Crush the shortbread cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a bag and smashing with a rolling pin.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cookie crumbs with the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan using the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10 minutes until slightly golden, then remove and let cool.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-low speed until completely smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until combined and creamy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Toss the sliced or grated apples with cinnamon and nutmeg. Spread them evenly over the cooled crust.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the apples and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. The center should be just set but still wiggle slightly.
- Let the bars cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
- Transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure clean cuts.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment overhang, cut into squares, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and ability to hold shape. Bars must be chilled for at least 4 hours before cutting to prevent smearing. Do not freeze as the texture will become grainy.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One bar
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: fall dessert, apple cheesecake bars, kid-friendly recipes, easy baking, shortbread crust, autumn treats, school potluck ideas