Name: Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter (227g); 2 cups brown sugar (400g); 3 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml); 2 cups all-purpose flour (250g); 1 tablespoon cornstarch (7.5g); 1 teaspoon baking powder (5g); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (2.5g); 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g); 2 Gala apples (or preferred variety); 16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (454g); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g); 1 cup heavy whipping cream (240ml); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (1g)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 87 reviews

If you adore the warm, cozy flavors of autumn desserts, you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars Recipe. Imagine thick, buttery blondies studded with sweet, tender apples, topped with a luscious layer of cinnamon-kissed cheesecake cream that melts in your mouth. These bars combine the best parts of a classic blondie and a silky cheesecake, delivering a dessert that’s as comforting as it is irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a festive treat or a simple indulgence, this recipe is destined to become your new favorite go-to for sweet gatherings or quiet nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a black frying pan on a stove with dark brown sugar melting and bubbling evenly across the flat surface; the sugar forms a grainy, melting layer with a shiny, glossy texture. A woman's hand holds a light turquoise silicone spatula stirring the sugar, scraping and mixing from the center towards the edges. The background shows a dark countertop but the surface beneath the pan should be imagined as a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What’s magical about this Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is how accessible and straightforward the ingredients are, yet how brilliantly they work together to create layers of texture and flavor. Each component plays a vital role: from the nutty depth of brown butter to the fresh crispness of apples, and the creamy, dreamy cheesecake topping. Here’s everything you need to make these bars truly unforgettable:

Unsalted butter (1 cup / 227g): Browning this butter is key to unlocking a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the blondie base.
Brown sugar (2 cups / 400g): Adds caramel notes and keeps the base moist and tender.
Large eggs (3): Help bind the ingredients and give structure to the blondies.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp total): Provides a warm, sweet aroma enhancing both the batter and cheesecake topping.
All-purpose flour (2 cups / 250g): The foundation of the blondie’s tender crumb.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp / 7.5g): Adds softness and a delicate texture to the blondies.
Baking powder (1 tsp / 5g): Ensures a slight lift without making the blondie cakey.
Ground cinnamon (1½ tsp total): Brings warm spice notes perfectly paired with apples and cream cheese.
Salt (½ tsp / 3g): Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
Gala apples (2): Chosen for their natural sweetness and tender bite that holds up well in baking.
Cream cheese (16 oz / 454g, room temperature): The star of the cheesecake topping, giving silky creaminess.
Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100g): Sweetens the cream cheese layer just right without overpowering.
Heavy whipping cream (1 cup / 240ml): Whipped to fluffy peaks, it lightens the cheesecake mixture beautifully.

How to Make Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9″x13″ baking dish with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang for easy bar removal later. This simple prep sets the stage for baking with no fuss.

Step 2: Brown the Butter

Place the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it melts, watching carefully for the foam that appears as it bubbles. Keep cooking until the foam subsides and the butter turns a golden brown shade with a rich, nutty aroma—this brown butter is what gives the blondies their irresistible depth.

Step 3: Combine Butter and Sugar

Pour the brown butter into a bowl and quickly stir in the brown sugar until fully combined. Set this mixture aside to cool for about 10 minutes, so your eggs won’t cook when they meet the warm sugar-butter mixture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition until the batter is smooth and velvety. Stir in the vanilla extract for that unmistakable sweet fragrance.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your wet batter just until combined—overmixing can make your bars tough, so keep the mix tender and light.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Bake

Peel, core, and chop the Gala apples into small pieces, then fold them into the batter evenly. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will soon be filled with the comforting scent of warm apples and cinnamon.

Step 7: Prepare the Cheesecake Topping

Using a hand mixer, beat the room temperature cream cheese and granulated sugar on high speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Add the cinnamon and vanilla extract and beat for another minute to marry the flavors.

Step 8: Whip the Cream and Combine

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, being careful to keep it light and airy. This luscious topping is what elevates the Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars Recipe to a whole new level of indulgence.

Step 9: Assemble and Chill

After the blondies have cooled completely, spread the cheesecake topping evenly over the surface. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to let the flavors meld and the topping set perfectly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Before serving, slice into bars and add your choice of garnish. These bars are crowd-pleasers from start to finish!

How to Serve Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Two square dessert bars sit on a dark surface; each bar has two layers with a thick, light brown base that looks soft and crumbly, topped by a thick white creamy layer that is smooth and fluffy. Orange syrup is drizzled in thin stripes over the white layer, dripping slightly over the edges. Behind the bars, a half apple with a red and yellow skin and two cinnamon sticks lie casually on the surface, adding warm colors. The setting is on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your bars with a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar, a few diced apples for freshness, or even a drizzle of salted caramel syrup to add an extra layer of sweet and salty goodness. These simple touches make the bars even more irresistible and eye-catching.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the creamy cheesecake topping. Hot beverages like spiced apple cider or a cup of coffee pair beautifully, making this dessert perfect for fall evenings or special occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the bars in clear glass jars for a cute grab-and-go treat, or cut them into small squares for bite-sized party snacks. You could even sandwich two bars together with a thin spread of apple butter for a fun twist that’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this dessert throughout the week without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later, these bars freeze beautifully. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply leave them in the fridge overnight, and the cheesecake topping will maintain its delightful creaminess.

Reheating

For the best experience, Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars Recipe are best enjoyed chilled. If you prefer a softer texture, warm them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but avoid overheating to keep the cheesecake layer intact and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Gala apples add a nice sweetness and hold their texture well, you can use varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that tart apples will add a tangier note to the blondies.

Do I have to brown the butter, or can I use regular melted butter?

Browning the butter gives the blondies a deeper, richer flavor with nutty undertones that regular melted butter cannot replicate. It’s well worth the extra few minutes, but if you’re in a rush, you can substitute with melted butter for a simpler result.

Can I make the cheesecake topping without whipping cream?

You can use just cream cheese and sugar for a denser topping, but whipping cream lightens the mixture considerably, making it more delicate and airy. If you skip the whipping cream, expect a firmer and richer cheesecake layer.

Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to maintain the texture of the blondies.

How do I know when the blondies are perfectly baked?

The edges should be set and pulling away slightly from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake, as you want the blondies to stay soft and chewy beneath the cheesecake topping.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Blondie Cheesecake Bars Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. With its perfect balance of buttery blondie, crisp apples, and creamy cinnamon cheesecake topping, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and get started—once you taste these bars, you’ll want to make them again and again!