Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delightful fusion of two classic desserts – Cranberry Apple Pie and Cheesecake? Introducing the Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars, a decadent and festive treat that will have your guests raving. Prepare to embark on a flavor journey that combines the tart and tangy notes of cranberries, the sweetness of apples, and the creamy richness of cheesecake, all nestled in a buttery crust.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
These Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate Thanksgiving showstopper. Not only are they visually stunning, but they also deliver an unbeatable flavor profile that will have your guests coming back for seconds. The combination of the tangy cranberries, the sweet and spicy apple filling, and the luxurious cheesecake layer creates a symphony of tastes that perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season. Prepare to be the talk of the table as you serve up this epic dessert that effortlessly blends the best of both worlds.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a carefully curated list of ingredients that work together seamlessly to create the perfect Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars. From the buttery crust to the creamy cheesecake filling and the vibrant cranberry apple topping, each component plays a crucial role in achieving the ultimate flavor balance.
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – for the crust
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted – for the crust
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar – for the crust
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened – for the cheesecake filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for the cheesecake filling
- 3 large eggs – for the cheesecake filling
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for the cheesecake filling
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples – for the cranberry apple topping
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – for the cranberry apple topping
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – for the cranberry apple topping
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – for the cranberry apple topping
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries – for the cranberry apple topping
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free pie crust or graham cracker crust as the base (works just as well).
- Reduced sugar: Opt for a lower-calorie sweetener in the cheesecake filling and apple topping to cut down on the sugar content (maintains the flavor).
How to Make Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars
Prepare to embark on a delicious journey as we guide you through the steps to create these mouthwatering Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars.
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by preparing the crust, which serves as the foundation for your Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars. Mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and a touch of sugar to create a delectable base that will hold the layers together.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
Next, whip up the creamy cheesecake filling, blending together cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and a hint of vanilla extract. Pour this luscious mixture over the prepared crust and bake until the center is set.
Step 3: Assemble the Cranberry Apple Topping
While the cheesecake layer is baking, prepare the cranberry apple topping. Sauté diced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg until they’re perfectly tender. Fold in the juicy cranberries and let the mixture simmer until it thickens. Once the cheesecake is done, top it with the irresistible cranberry apple compote and let it chill in the refrigerator.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (Optional)
Before serving, you can opt to drizzle the bars with a delicate caramel sauce or dust them with a light coating of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Swap the Crust: For a more traditional pie-like experience, use a homemade or store-bought pie dough as the base instead of the graham cracker crust.
- Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices in the apple filling, such as ginger or allspice, for a unique twist on the flavors.
- Indulge with Toppings: Top the bars with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra layer of decadence.
- Customize the Fruit: While the classic cranberry-apple combination is hard to beat, you can substitute the apples with pears or a mix of berries to create your own unique spin on this dessert.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage: Store the Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat: These bars are best served chilled, but you can briefly warm them in the microwave or oven to soften the texture if desired.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the entire recipe up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
These Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars are a decadent indulgence, but they can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Each serving provides a satisfying combination of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats, making it a delightful treat that won’t derail your holiday wellness goals.
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! These bars are the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries for the topping?
Both fresh and frozen cranberries will work beautifully in this recipe. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand.
Can I substitute the apples with a different fruit?
Certainly! While the classic cranberry-apple combination is hard to beat, you can experiment with other fruits, such as pears or even a mix of berries, to create your own unique spin on this dessert.
How do I ensure the cheesecake layer is perfectly set?
To achieve a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, be sure to bake the bars until the center is just set, and then allow them to cool completely before refrigerating. This will help prevent cracking or sinking.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Simply use a gluten-free pie crust or graham cracker crust as the base, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Try These Next
- Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
- Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake Bars
- Thanksgiving Leftover Sliders With Cranberry Sauce
Irresistible Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars for Thanksgiving
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: 🍰 Sweet & Savory Mashups
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delicious Cranberry Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars combine the tartness of cranberry with the sweetness of apples and a creamy cheesecake layer, all on a buttery crust. Perfect for Thanksgiving!
Ingredients
For the Crust:
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer:
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Apple-Cranberry Topping:
– 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– ½ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. 2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until crumbly.
3. 3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking dish to form the crust.
4. 4. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs, vanilla, and lemon juice, and mix until combined.
5. 5. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the crust and spread evenly.
6. 6. In a separate bowl, mix the diced apples, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
7. 7. Spread the apple-cranberry mixture over the cheesecake layer.
8. 8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
9. 9. Allow to cool, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars.
10. 10. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
– These bars can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
– Feel free to substitute with frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Cranberry, Apple, Pie, Cheesecake, Bars, Thanksgiving