Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
*Cheesecake Batter:*
- 16 ounces cream cheese at room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup sour cream at room temperature
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
*Shortbread Crust:*
- 1/2 cup melted Challenge Unsalted Butter
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
*Apple Mix:*
- 2 granny smith apples peeled and cubed small
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar light or dark, dark used here
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg
*Streusel Topping:*
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup Challenge Unsalted Butter at room temperature (cubed)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
*Equipment:*
- 8 x 8 square pan
Instructions
**Make the Shortbread Crust:**
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, white sugar, all-purpose flour, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until it resembles cookie dough.
- Line an 8 x 8 baking pan with parchment paper. Press the dough tightly onto the bottom of the pan to create an even layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool.
**Make the Apple Mix:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
**Make the Streusel Topping:**
- Combine the brown sugar, white sugar, all-purpose flour, oats, cubed butter, cinnamon, and salt. Use a fork, pastry blender, or your hands to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
**Make the Cheesecake Filling:**
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or handheld beater, beat the cream cheese and sugar until creamy and smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Add the eggs, cornstarch, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until creamy and smooth, ensuring there are no clumps.
**Bake:**
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled baked crust. Sprinkle the apples on top, as desired. Finish with the streusel topping.
- Bake for 40 minutes.
- After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake to cool slowly inside for an hour. Then transfer it to cool on the counter to room temperature. Chill in the fridge overnight or for at least 6 hours before slicing and serving.
- For added sweetness, drizzle caramel or dulce de leche on top before serving. Enjoy!