Description
These Gluten-Free Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a creamy cheesecake filling with caramelized cinnamon apples, all sitting on a buttery gluten-free graham cracker crust. Perfect for fall, they offer a delicious balance of smooth, tangy cheesecake and sweet, spiced apples. A simple, indulgent dessert that’s gluten-free and sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free cookie crumbs)
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup sugar
For the cheesecake filling:
16 oz (2 cups) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose gluten-free flour (or cornstarch)
For the apple topping:
2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. Prepare the crust:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and set. Let it cool.
2. Make the cheesecake filling:
Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, eggs, sour cream, and gluten-free flour, and mix until fully combined. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the center is slightly jiggly. Allow it to cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the apple topping:
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
4. Assemble the bars:
Once the cheesecake has cooled, top it with the caramelized apple slices. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to set completely.
5. Serve:
Slice into bars and enjoy!
Notes
Apple Substitutes: If apples aren’t available, pears or peaches work great as alternatives.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap dairy cream cheese and butter for plant-based versions, and use coconut or almond milk for the sour cream.
Nut Crust: For added texture, replace graham cracker crumbs with crushed gluten-free almonds or pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert Gluten-Free Fall Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 bars
- Calories: 290 kcal (varies with ingredients used)
