Apple Cheese Bars Recipe

Ingredients for Apple Cheese Bars

• All Purpose Flour
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Apples
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• Ground Cinnamon
• 2 large egg whites
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 4 ounces (½ package) softened cream cheese

How to Make Apple Cheese Bars

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes, ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 large egg yolks, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
3. Using an electric mixer on low to medium speed, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press half of the crumb mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 13x9x2-inch baking pan.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden brown.
6. While the crust bakes, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups peeled and shredded apples (about 3 medium), 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
7. Evenly spread the apple-cheddar filling over the partially baked crust.
8. Sprinkle the remaining crumb mixture evenly over the filling.
9. In a medium bowl, beat 2 large egg whites with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
10. Gradually add ½ cup powdered sugar, beating until combined. Then, beat in 4 ounces (½ package) softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
11. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top layer of crumbs.
12. Bake for 30-35 minutes more, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
13. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares and serving.