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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.