Description
These Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery gluten-free graham cracker crust with a creamy cheesecake layer, topped with tender spiced apples and a crunchy gluten-free oat streusel. Perfect for fall, this dessert offers a delicious balance of sweet, tangy, and warm spices, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s also suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1½ cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Apple Topping
- 2 medium apples, peeled and finely diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Streusel Topping
- ½ cup gluten-free oats
- ¼ cup gluten-free flour blend
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of bars later.
- Make Crust: In a bowl, mix the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake for 8 minutes until slightly set, then remove and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract to combine. Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust and smooth the surface.
- Prepare Apple Topping: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and finely diced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated. Spread this apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
- Make Streusel Topping: In another bowl, combine gluten-free oats, gluten-free flour blend, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a fork or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this streusel evenly over the apple layer.
- Bake the Bars: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the streusel topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the bars to cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up before slicing into 9 bars for serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- These bars can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based cream cheese and butter alternatives.
