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Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 89 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 9 bars
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

These Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery gluten-free graham cracker crust with a smooth cream cheese filling, topped with tender, caramelized apple slices. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened with brown sugar and lemon juice, these bars are a delicious dessert that caters to gluten-sensitive diets while delivering classic cheesecake flavors with a fruity twist.


Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free cookie crumbs)
  • 1/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup sugar

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)

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, combine gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the crust is golden and set. Remove from oven and allow it to cool.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and gluten-free flour, mixing well until the mixture is fully combined. Pour the filling evenly over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the center is slightly jiggly but mostly set. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
  3. Caramelize the Apples: In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
  4. Assemble and Chill: Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, arrange the caramelized apple slices evenly over the top. Refrigerate the pan for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the bars to set completely.
  5. Serve: Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges, slice into 9 equal bars, and enjoy this delicious gluten-free apple cheesecake dessert.

Notes

  • Be sure to use certified gluten-free ingredients to maintain the gluten-free status of the recipe.
  • The cheesecake filling should still be slightly jiggly in the center when you remove it from the oven to ensure creamy texture once chilled.
  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • If preferred, substitute the gluten-free flour with cornstarch to help stabilize the filling.
  • Refrigeration overnight improves flavor melding and texture.