Introduction
As the air turns crisp and apples become abundant, there is no better dessert than the Gluten-Free Apple Cheesecake Bar. This recipe perfectly marries the tangy creaminess of a classic cheesecake with the warm, comforting spice of baked apples, all sitting atop a buttery, crisp gluten-free almond crust. It’s a sophisticated yet easy-to-make dessert that caters beautifully to those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice of autumn bliss. These bars are easier to serve than a traditional cheesecake and offer a delightful textural contrast in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) finely ground almond flour
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 16 oz (450g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon (15g) cornstarch or arrowroot powder
For the Gluten-Free Crust:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
For the Apple Topping:
Step-by-step Preparation
- **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
- **Prepare the Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, 1/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. *Tip: For a very neat crust, use the bottom of a measuring cup to ensure the crust is tightly packed.*
- **Make the Filling:** While the crust bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Mix in the vanilla extract, then beat in the egg just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the egg, as this can cause cracking.
- **Prepare the Apples:** In a separate small bowl, toss the diced apples with 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and the cornstarch. The cornstarch helps thicken the juices released during baking.
- **Assemble and Bake:** Pour the cream cheese filling over the par-baked crust. Evenly spoon the apple mixture over the cheesecake layer. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight wobble. *Tip: If the apples start to brown too quickly, loosely tent the pan with foil.*
- **Cooling and Setting:** Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before slicing into 9 or 16 bars.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (assuming 16 bars), these Gluten-Free Apple Cheesecake Bars provide approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the thickness of the slice. Being naturally gluten-free due to the almond flour crust, they are suitable for celiac and gluten-sensitive diets. Almonds provide healthy fats and protein, while the apples contribute beneficial dietary fiber and antioxidants. This is a dessert that offers indulgence without compromising on dietary needs.
Storage
Due to the dairy content, these cheesecake bars must be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their best quality for up to 5 days. We do not recommend freezing the bars once the apples have been added, as the texture of the cream cheese and apples may become watery upon thawing. Serve chilled; reheating is not recommended.
Conclusion
These Apple Cheesecake Bars are the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. Serve them slightly chilled, perhaps dusted with a little extra cinnamon or drizzled with a homemade salted caramel sauce for an extra layer of decadence. For a fun variation, try substituting half of the apples for pears, or adding a teaspoon of ginger to the apple mixture for a subtle spice kick. Enjoy this easy, impressive dessert that truly celebrates the flavors of the season!