Autumnal Delight: Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars with a Gluten-Free and Keto-Friendly Twist

Welcome back the fall season with our most beloved dessert – Autumnal Delight Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars. These bars are a harmonious blend of creamy cheesecake, cinnamon-spiced apple crumble, and a buttery shortbread base. What sets them apart is their magical transformation into a gluten-free and low-carb treat, ensuring that everyone can indulge in this seasonal delight without any dietary concerns.

Why You’ll Love This:

These cheesecake bars are the epitome of fall comfort food, combining all the best elements of apple pie and cheesecake into one. The use of almond flour and sugar substitutes makes them a guilt-free pleasure, perfect for those following a gluten-free or keto diet. Every bite offers a burst of creamy, spiced, and buttery flavors that epitomize autumn in every sense.

Perfect Occasion:

These bars are a perfect treat for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving celebrations, or as a comforting dessert on a cool evening. Their elegant layered look and scrumptious taste make them a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, family dinners, or as a special weekend treat.

Decoration Tips:

Once cooled, dust the top lightly with a sprinkle of cinnamon or powdered sugar substitute for a beautiful, rustic look. Serve each bar with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of sugar-free caramel sauce for extra indulgence. A small sprig of mint or a thin apple slice can add a fresh, colorful touch.

Ingredients:

Shortbread Crust:

• 1 Egg, Room Temperature
• 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, Melted
• 1/4 Cup Maple Syrup (or Sugar-Free Maple Syrup)
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 1/2 Cups Almond Flour
• 1/4 Tsp Salt

Cheesecake Filling:

• 12 Oz Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar Substitute (or Regular Sugar)
• 1 Egg
• 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Apple Filling:

• 2 Medium Apples, Peeled and Chopped
• 5 Tbsp Granulated Sugar Substitute (or Regular Sugar)
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

• 1/4 Cup Almond Flour
• 1/4 Cup Quick Cooking Oats
• 1/3 Cup Granulated Sugar Substitute (or Coconut Sugar)
• 1 Tsp Cinnamon
• 1/4 Tsp Nutmeg
• 1/4 Cup Butter, Cold and Cubed

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. For the shortbread crust, mix wet ingredients, then blend in dry ingredients to form a dough. Press evenly into the pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool for 5 minutes.
3. For the cheesecake layer, beat cream cheese, sugar substitute, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Pour over the crust.
4. Mix apples, sugar substitute, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spread over the cheesecake layer.
5. For the streusel topping, combine dry ingredients. Cut in cold butter with a fork. Sprinkle over the apples.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheesecake is set but slightly jiggly. Cool for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for 1 hour before slicing.

Enjoy these delightful Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars, a perfect blend of fall flavors in a health-conscious, mouth-watering treat!