Name: Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups peeled apples, diced about ¼ inch; Cream Cheese Layer; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Crumb Topping; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ cup all purpose flour; ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake Bars

Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake Bars with apples, a cream cheese layer, and crumb topping. Easy fall dessert recipe perfect for sharing.

Apple desserts are always a favorite in my home, especially in the fall. I wanted something that combined the comfort of a coffee cake with the richness of cream cheese and the sweetness of apples. These bars are the perfect balance of moist cake, creamy filling, and a crumb topping that adds just the right crunch.

The first time I served them, my wife said they tasted like something you would get at a bakery, only better. The apples keep the cake soft and flavorful, while the cream cheese layer adds a touch of indulgence. The kids enjoyed them with glasses of milk, while the adults paired theirs with hot coffee and plenty of conversation.

Now these bars make regular appearances on our table, especially when family comes to visit. They are easy enough for a weekday bake, but impressive enough for a holiday spread. They bring together everything we enjoy in a dessert: cozy flavors, simple preparation, and a result that makes everyone smile.

Questions You May Have About This Recipe

Can I use any type of apple?
Yes, but I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.

Do these need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cream cheese layer. Store them covered in the fridge for up to four days.

Can I freeze them?
You can. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

What if I do not have sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute.

Can I make these without the crumb topping?
Yes, but the crumb topping adds texture and sweetness that really completes the bars.

What You Need to Make Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake Bars

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups peeled apples, diced about ¼ inch

Cream Cheese Layer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

¼ cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crumb Topping

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup all purpose flour

¼ cup unsalted butter, softened

1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make Cream Cheese Apple Coffee Cake Bars

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture.

Fold in diced apples and spread half the batter into the pan.

Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Spread over batter.

Spoon remaining batter on top and spread gently to cover.

Mix brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle over batter.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, then check the center: the cream cheese layer should be set and a tester through the cake should show moist crumbs, not wet batter. Continue baking as needed, covering loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly.

Cool in the pan on a rack for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until cold and firm before cutting into 16 bars. Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking, even if still slightly warm.

Tips

Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.

Dice apples small so they bake evenly.

Let the bars cool fully before cutting or the cream cheese layer may be too soft.

Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on preference.

Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for a richer dessert.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These bars are amazing. The cream cheese layer makes them so rich and the apples keep them moist.” Linda T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great recipe. I used Honeycrisp apples and they worked beautifully.” Janice R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I baked these for a church gathering and they disappeared quickly. Everyone asked for the recipe.” Carol M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Very tasty. Next time I will add extra cinnamon to the crumb topping.” Diane S.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect with coffee in the morning or as dessert after dinner. A recipe I will make again and again.” Barbara L.

Printable Recipe

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