If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that brings together creamy, tangy cheesecake with the warm, cozy flavor of caramelized apples—while keeping things gluten-free—you’ve just found your new favorite treat. This Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe strikes the perfect balance between a buttery crust, luscious cheesecake filling, and spiced apple topping. Whether for a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend indulgence, these bars will quickly become the star of your dessert table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients create the magic of these bars. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s adding texture, richness, or that signature apple-cinnamon warmth.
- Gluten-free graham cracker crumbs: Provides a buttery, crunchy base that holds everything together beautifully.
- Melted butter: Brings richness to the crust, helping it set perfectly firm.
- Sugar: Sweetens the crust just enough to complement the cheesecake filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): The star ingredient of the filling, delivering creamy decadence and tangy flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and blends smoothly into the cheesecake layer.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- Eggs: Gives the filling structure and a silky texture.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the sweetness.
- Gluten-free flour (or cornstarch): Stabilizes the filling, ensuring those perfect dense bars.
- Apples (peeled and thinly sliced): The fresh fruit component for that tender, juicy topping.
- Butter (for caramelizing): Caramelizes the apples and brings out their natural sweetness.
- Brown sugar: Deepens the flavor of the caramelized apples with its molasses notes.
- Cinnamon: Adds the quintessential apple-pie spice that makes the dish feel like autumn in every bite.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the apples, balancing the richness and sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this makes removing the bars later a breeze. Combine the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl, mixing until the crumbs hold together when pressed. Spread this mixture evenly in the pan and bake for about 8-10 minutes, until the crust turns golden and feels set. Once done, allow it to cool completely so it’s ready to support the creamy filling.
Step 2: Mix the cheesecake filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and velvety—no lumps allowed here! Stir in the vanilla extract, then one at a time, add the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated. Next, blend in the sour cream and gluten-free flour (or cornstarch), which will help the filling hold its shape but stay wonderfully creamy once baked. Pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula, and pop it into your oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want the center to still jiggle just a bit—that’s the sign it’s perfectly baked. Let this cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Caramelize the apples
While the cheesecake layer cools, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, stirring gently as the apples soften and caramelize. This process usually takes 5-7 minutes. The apples should be tender and kissed with a luscious, cinnamon-spiced glaze that’s irresistible. Once caramelized, remove the pan from the heat and allow the apples to cool to room temperature as well.
Step 4: Assemble and chill
When both the cheesecake and the apples have cooled, spread the caramelized apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. This adds a fresh, fruity layer that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. Place the entire pan in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or better yet, overnight, to let the bars set up so they slice cleanly and taste even more harmonious.
Step 5: Slice and enjoy
Once fully chilled, lift the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into nine squares or bars for easy serving. These Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe are now ready to impress anyone lucky enough to try them.
How to Serve Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey works wonderfully to finish these bars. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy cheesecake and tender apples.
Side Dishes
Pair these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat. For a cozy touch, serve them alongside a warm cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee, their warmth beautifully contrasting the cool richness of the cheesecake.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dessert tray, arrange the bars on a rustic wooden board with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks. Or, for a festive occasion, serve individual bars in small dessert glasses, layering with extra caramelized apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every bite without worry.
Freezing
If you want to save these bars for even longer, they freeze beautifully. Wrap individual bars tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
While these bars are best served chilled, if you prefer them slightly warmed, just pop a bar in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. This will soften the cheesecake slightly and bring a little warmth to the caramelized apples without compromising their lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith offer a nice balance of sweet and sour, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples depending on your sweetness preference and availability.
Is this recipe suitable for someone with dairy allergies?
This recipe uses cream cheese and butter, so it is not dairy-free. However, you could try dairy-free cream cheese and margarine alternatives to make it dairy-free while keeping it gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
This particular recipe contains eggs, dairy, and butter, which are not vegan. To make a vegan version, you would need to substitute cream cheese with a vegan option, use plant-based butter, and replace eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes—although this would change the texture slightly.
Do I need to use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs specifically?
Yes, to keep this a true Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe, be sure your graham cracker crumbs or cookie crumbs are certified gluten-free. Regular graham crackers will contain gluten and should be avoided.
Can I prepare these bars a day ahead for a party?
Definitely! In fact, chilling the bars overnight enhances their flavor and makes slicing them neater. They’re perfect for preparing in advance when you want a no-fuss dessert ready to go.
Final Thoughts
This Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again, whether to impress friends or simply treat yourself. The combination of creamy cheesecake, spiced caramelized apples, and a buttery gluten-free crust is pure comfort food at its best. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how effortlessly delicious gluten-free baking can be!
Print
Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars offer a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake and sweet caramelized apples atop a gluten-free graham cracker crust. Perfect for a comforting dessert that suits gluten-free diets, these bars are easy to prepare and bake, ideal for any occasion.
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
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)
Caramelized Apples
- 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 the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the crust is golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and gluten-free flour, mixing until fully combined. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake the cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake layer for 25-30 minutes at 325°F (163°C), or until the center feels slightly jiggly but set. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Caramelize the apples: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Assemble and chill: Once the cheesecake is cooled, evenly spread the caramelized apples on top. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow them to set completely.
- Serve: Slice into bars and enjoy your delicious gluten-free apple cheesecake bars.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smoother mixing.
- Use fresh apples for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
- For easier slicing, chill the bars overnight.
- You can substitute the gluten-free graham cracker crumbs with your favorite gluten-free cookie crumbs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
