With the recent “drop” in temperatures here to the 70s, I’m ready for all the warm, cozy fall flavors! 🍂 But with the weather jumping back up to the 80s again next week, I wanted something that celebrates the season without the heavy feel. Enter these bars—featuring a comforting crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and crunchy apple pie topping that’s deliciously seasonal and made with wholesome ingredients! 😋
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
-1 1/2 cups almond flour
-1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
-3 tbsp coconut oil, melted
-2 tbsp maple syrup
For the Cheesecake:
-16 oz vegan cream cheese
-2 cups greek yogurt
-1 egg
-1 tbsp lemon juice
-1 tbsp maple syrup
-1 tsp vanilla extract
-1/2 cup collagen powder
-1 tsp cinnamon
For the Apple Pie Topping:
-2 apples, diced
-6 tbsp maple syrup
-1 tbsp lemon juice
-1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
-1 tsp corn or arrowroot starch
-1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions:
🥣1. Prepare the Crust:
In a bowl, mix almond flour, protein powder, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Press the mixture evenly into a lined 8x8 baking pan.
🥄2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
Whip the cream cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth. Add the egg, lemon juice, maple syrup, vanilla extract, collagen powder, and cinnamon. Mix until combined.
⏲️3. Bake:
Pour the filling over the crust and bake at 350°F for about 40-45 minutes, or until the center jiggles slightly when tapped.
🍎4. Prepare the Apple Topping:
In a saucepan, combine diced apples, maple syrup, lemon juice, cinnamon, starch, and nutmeg. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring until the mixture boils and apples soften.
❄️5. Assemble:
Once the apple mixture is caramelized, let it cool. Pour the topping over the cheesecake, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
🍰6. Slice & Serve:
Cut into bars, serve, and enjoy your delicious, guilt-free treat!
These Apple Pie Cheesecake Bars perfectly capture the essence of fall, even if the temperatures can’t quite decide! 🎉🍁 Who are you sharing this with? 🧡