Name: Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 3 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs; 1/3 cup melted butter; 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/4 cup caramel sauce

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If you’re searching for a dessert that marries creamy cheesecake, cozy spiced apples, and a buttery, crunchy base—without a crumb of gluten in sight—these Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars will absolutely steal the show! Every bite serves up the perfect balance of silky texture and autumn flavor, layered between a golden graham crust and sweetly spiced apple topping. Whether you’re gluten free yourself or just want to bring a crowd-pleaser to a gathering, this recipe fuses comfort, elegance, and ease in one unforgettable treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients can come together to create magic in these bars. Each one plays its part for flavor, freshness, and the kind of layered texture that makes these Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars irresistible.

Gluten-free graham cracker crumbs: These become a nutty, crisp base that holds up under the creamy layers, ensuring every bar has the classic cheesecake crunch, minus the gluten.
Melted butter: The backbone of the crust! It binds the crumbs together and brings that rich, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Granulated sugar: Used in both the crust and cheesecake layer, sugar sweetens and balances the tang of cream cheese.
Cream cheese: The heart of any cheesecake, it gives these bars their velvety-smooth, dreamy middle.
Eggs: Essential for structure, eggs help firm up the cheesecake layer while keeping it soft and luscious.
Vanilla extract: A splash of pure vanilla ties everything together with warmth and depth.
Apples (peeled and diced): Choose crisp, tart varieties for the best contrast against the creamy filling—think Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Butter (for apples): Sautéing the apples in butter infuses them with a glossy, caramelized texture.
Brown sugar: Adds a hint of molasses and extra richness to the apple topping.
Ground cinnamon: No apple dessert is complete without that warm cinnamon note!
Nutmeg: Just a pinch makes the apple flavor pop and adds fragrant complexity.
Caramel sauce (optional): Drizzling caramel on top creates a finishing touch that feels (and tastes) extra special.

How to Make Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides—this makes it super easy to lift your bars out later for neat slicing and serving. You’ll thank yourself for this step!

Step 2: Make the Graham Cracker Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine your gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Stir until the mixture has the consistency of wet sand. Press this evenly into the base of your prepared pan, packing it down firmly with your hands or the bottom of a measuring cup to form a solid crust. This foundation is the stage for everything delicious that follows.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer

In a fresh bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Don’t rush this step—beat until the mixture is luxuriously smooth and all the sugar is dissolved. Pour it on top of your crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly. This creamy layer is what makes Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars so decadent.

Step 4: Sauté the Apple Topping

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the peeled, diced apples and sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook for about five minutes, just until the apples soften and begin to turn golden and glossy. Your kitchen is about to smell absolutely incredible!

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Carefully spoon the warm apple mixture over the cheesecake layer, ensuring even coverage from edge to edge. Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set—the bars will finish firming up as they cool. Let them cool completely at room temperature, then pop the pan into the fridge for at least three hours (overnight is even better). This chilling step ensures clean slices and perfect texture.

Step 6: Slice, Drizzle, and Enjoy

Once thoroughly chilled, use the parchment paper to lift the bars from the pan and slice into even squares. If you’re feeling a little extra, drizzle a generous ribbon of caramel sauce over each bar just before serving for a bakery-worthy finish!

How to Serve Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars

Garnishes

For a showstopping finish, a classic caramel drizzle can’t be beat. If you like crunch, sprinkle on a few chopped pecans just before baking or add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top after the caramel. A dusting of cinnamon or even a dollop of whipped cream will also elevate both the presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

Since Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars are rich and satisfying, pair them with something light and refreshing. A simple fruit salad or a scoop of tangy Greek yogurt offsets the sweetness perfectly, or serve with a cup of hot tea or apple cider during chilly months for an extra cozy treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the bars into triangles for a fun twist, or use a cookie cutter for festive shapes—think hearts for Valentine’s or leaves for fall gatherings. Arrange them on a pretty platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a holiday-worthy dessert tray everyone will be drawn to.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Arrange parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking and keep each piece looking perfect.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully! Once cut and fully chilled, wrap the bars individually in plastic wrap and store them in a sealed freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just thaw them overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

While it’s best to enjoy these bars chilled, if you prefer a slightly warmer dessert, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes or microwave individual bars for just 10 seconds to take the chill off. Be careful not to overheat, as the cheesecake can become too soft.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or even mixed berries work as delicious alternatives. Just follow the same sautéing method, and keep an eye on cook time as softer fruits will need less time to soften.

Are these bars also nut-free?

The basic recipe for Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars is nut-free, but always check your graham crackers and caramel sauce to be sure. For added crunch, you can sprinkle pecans on top, but that’s entirely optional.

Can I make these bars dairy-free as well?

Yes, with the right substitutions. Use non-dairy cream cheese, a plant-based butter, and ensure your caramel sauce is dairy-free. The texture will be slightly different, but still scrumptious!

How do I know when the cheesecake layer is baked through?

It’s done when the edges are set and the center has a very slight jiggle. Overbaking can dry out the cheesecake, so be sure to keep an eye on them starting at the 30-minute mark.

Should I peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended for the softest, silkiest topping, but if you like a little more texture, feel free to leave the peels on for extra color and added fiber.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress family, friends, or just your own taste buds, don’t wait to make these Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars. They blend the beloved flavors of apple pie and cheesecake, all in an easy-to-share format. Give them a try—your dessert table will never be the same!

Gluten Free Apple Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 bars 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, sweet cinnamon-spiced apples, and a gluten-free graham cracker crust with these delicious Gluten-Free Apple Cheesecake Bars. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave a taste of apple pie in an easy-to-eat bar form.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

2 cups gluten-free graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup melted butter
2 tbsp granulated sugar

For the cheesecake layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the apple topping:

2 medium apples, peeled and diced
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg

Optional drizzle:

1/4 cup caramel sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the crust: Mix gluten-free graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Press into the pan to form the crust.
Make the cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the crust.
Prepare the apple topping: Cook apples with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until softened. Spoon over the cheesecake layer.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until set. Cool, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing into bars.
Optional: Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.