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To achieve a perfectly smooth cheesecake filling for your Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars, start with room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps, so allow it to sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the cream cheese until it’s creamy and fluffy, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with these Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake Bars! Perfect for any gathering or a sweet treat at home, these easy-to-make dessert bars combine a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and luscious spiced apples. With each bite, experience a delightful blend of textures and flavors that capture autumn's essence. Gather your ingredients and bring this delicious recipe to life for a crowd-pleasing dessert!
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Ingredients
  

For the crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For the cheesecake layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ cup sour cream

For the apple cinnamon topping:

2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)

¼ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions
 

Prepare the crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a greased 9x9-inch baking pan to form a solid crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

    Make the cheesecake filling: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Gradually add in the granulated sugar while continuing to mix. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and sour cream until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

      Prepare the apple topping: In a medium bowl, toss the diced apples with the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Ensure the apples are evenly coated with the sweet mixture to enhance their flavor.

        Assemble the bars: Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, distributing the diced apples across the surface for balanced flavors in every bite.

          Bake: Place the assembled pan back into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges, with a slightly jiggly center. It will firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if the center wobbles a bit.

            Cool and chill: Allow the baked bars to cool at room temperature for about one hour. Once cooled, transfer the pan to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for improved texture and flavor development.

              Serve: Once thoroughly chilled, remove the cheesecake from the refrigerator and cut into 16 bars. For a delightful finishing touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar or serve with a dollop of whipped cream.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 5 hours (including chilling time) | 16 bars

                  Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve the bars on a decorative platter, and consider garnishing with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few thin apple slices on the side. Enjoy your delicious apple cinnamon cheesecake bars!