Soft cheesecake bars filled with apples, cinnamon spice, and subtle soda fizz for a flavorful dessert treat.
# Components:
→ Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Cheesecake Layer
05 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda
→ Cinnamon Apple Layer
10 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Topping
14 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
15 - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
16 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Press mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
03 - Beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth using an electric mixer or whisk. Incorporate egg and vanilla extract, blending until combined. Gently fold in lemon-lime soda. Pour cheesecake mixture evenly over warm crust.
04 - In a bowl, toss diced apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread apple mixture evenly over cheesecake layer.
05 - Combine flour, packed brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until crumbly. Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
06 - Bake for 30 minutes, or until topping is golden and center is set with a slight jiggle. Cool completely in pan, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
07 - Using parchment overhang, lift bars from pan. Slice into even portions and serve chilled or at room temperature.
