Save Buttery bars with a creamy cheesecake filling, spiced cinnamon apples, and a subtle soda fizz, all baked together for a unique and irresistible treat.
I first made these bars to surprise my family on a chilly weekend, and their smiles after the first bite made it an instant favorite. The hint of lemon-lime soda adds an unexpectedly delightful brightness to each chewy square.
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Ingredients
- Crust: 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter (melted), 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Cheesecake Layer: 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened), 1/3 cup (65 g) granulated sugar, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 cup (60 ml) lemon-lime soda (e.g., Sprite or 7UP)
- Cinnamon Apple Layer: 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, diced), 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Topping: 1/2 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup (65 g) brown sugar (packed), 1/4 cup (60 g) unsalted butter (softened), 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, Pinch of salt
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Instructions
- Prepare the pan:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
- Make the crust:
- Mix flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Press evenly in pan. Bake 10 minutes and remove from oven.
- Cheesecake layer:
- Beat cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Mix in egg and vanilla. Stir in soda gently. Pour over crust.
- Apple layer:
- Toss diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread evenly over cheesecake layer.
- Topping:
- Mix flour, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. Sprinkle over apples.
- Bake:
- Bake 30 minutes until golden and center is set (slight jiggle is fine). Cool in pan, chill at least 2 hours.
- Serve:
- Lift bars out with parchment, slice, and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Save Making these bars is now a yearly tradition for my family during fall apple season. Everyone gathers in the kitchen, eager to help with slicing apples and licking the cheesecake bowl.
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Required Tools
Use an 8x8-inch (20x20 cm) baking pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer or whisk, rubber spatula, parchment paper, and a knife with cutting board for best results.
Nutritional Information
Each bar has about 270 calories, with 14 g of fat, 33 g of carbs, and 3 g of protein.
Notes & Variations
Try toasted pecans in the topping for crunch, swap pears for apples, or drizzle bars with caramel sauce before serving.
Save 
Serve these bars chilled for a refreshing treat, or let them warm to room temperature for a softer bite. They're perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with a cup of coffee.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of apples work best for these bars?
Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up well, providing a nice texture and tartness.
- → Can I substitute lemon-lime soda with another beverage?
A mild citrus soda is ideal, but sparkling water with a splash of lemon juice offers a similar effect and light flavor.
- → How do I achieve a crisp crumb topping?
Use softened butter and mix until crumbly. Chilling the topping before baking can help it bake up crisp.
- → Is it necessary to chill the bars before slicing?
Yes, chilling helps the layers set, ensuring clean slices and the best texture for serving.
- → Can these bars be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare, bake, and chill the bars. Store covered in the fridge for up to three days before serving.
