Apple Cream Cheese Squares

apple cream cheese squares

If you took apple pie and combined it with cheesecake, you’d end up with Apple Cream Cheese Squares. It doesn’t take nearly as long to make these squares as it would a pie or cheesecake but they’re every bit as delicious.

This recipe appeared in Harrowsmith Country Life Magazine in 2008. The original recipe called for sliced almonds on top. I decided to swap out the almonds for pecans. And not just on top. Adding a handful of pecans to the base mixture adds a texture and flavour that works perfectly with the other ingredients. It tastes like pecan shortbread.

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apple pecan cream cheese squares

Two awesome things about this recipe are: 1 – most of the mixing is done in a food processor so they’re quick and easy to make. And 2 – there’s only 1 block of cream cheese so you aren’t spending a fortune. That’s always a good thing for a thrifty girl like me. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries. You can use a pastry blender to mix up the shortbread crust and a hand mixer for the cream cheese layer. The recipe amounts are perfect for a 9 inch square or 8 x 10 rectangle pan.

How to make Apple Cream Cheese Squares

Before pressing the crumbs in the bottom of the pan, line it with parchment paper which makes it simple to lift the squares right out. Then pour the crumb mixture in and press with your hand or the back of a spoon, starting in the middle and working your way to the outside. Try to keep the bottom layer even. You need to pre bake the bottom layer, then cool briefly before adding the next layer. It makes sense to leave the oven on because you’ll probably use more energy preheating the oven twice.

pecan shortbread crust

Don’t even worry about rinsing out the processor bowl before mixing up the middle layer. The bottom crumb mixture pours right out and it’s no big deal if a little flour or pecan dust gets mixed in with the cream cheese layer. Letting the cream cheese come to room temperature helps ensure a smooth texture. Mix it up while you’re pre baking the crust. Then spread it evenly over the bottom layer after it has cooled slightly. You’ll also have time to prep the apple topping while the bottom layer is cooling.

You can use any type of apple in Apple Cream Cheese Squares. Granny Smith are a popular baking apple. Empires are softer and good value. Honeycrisp apples are a newer variety that are great for eating but they would be awesome in this recipe too. But you’ll pay a bit more for them. Use your imagination, shop local, find what’s in season. Depending on which variety you choose, your apples may be soft or firm after baking.

apple cream cheese squares harrowsmith magazine

You’ll have to wait until the squares are completely cool before sampling. In fact, once they’ve cooled to room temperature, give them some time in the fridge to set. They’ll last a few days in the fridge, in case you don’t eat them all the first day.

apple cream cheese squares

If you make Apple Cream Cheese Squares, consider leaving a comment or rating below. Here’s the recipe:

apple cream cheese squares

Apple Cream Cheese Squares

Not as fancy as cheesecake but every bit as delicious, featured in Harrowsmith Magazine in 2008
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, Canadian
Keyword: apple cheesecake squares, apple cream cheese squares, apple dessert, apple pecan squares, cheesecake squares, harrowsmith recipes
Servings: 12
Calories: 354kcal

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • cup sugar
  • ¾ cup cold butter, cut into chunks
  • ¼ cup pecans
  • pinch of salt

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature block style, not spreadable
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ tsp vanilla

Apple Topping

  • cup sugar
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • 4 cups apples, peeled and sliced about 4-5 medium apples
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped pecans

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400° and ensure rack is in lower middle of oven.
  • Cut a piece of parchment paper large enough to fill the baking pan with overhang.
  • Add flour, sugar, butter, pecans and salt in bowl of food processor. Whirl until fine crumb texture. Pour into pan over parchment paper. Adjust paper to fit, then press mixture into the pan evenly. Start in the centre and work towards the outer edge to ensure an even crust.
  • Bake for 13-15 minutes until lightly browned around the edges and set. Remove and allow to cool briefly, about 10 minutes.
  • Add cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla into the bowl of food processor. No need to clean out from previous mixture. Process until very smooth and no lumps remain. Spoon over cooled pastry base and spread evenly in pan.
  • Combine sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle over peeled and sliced apples and toss lightly. Arrange apple mixture over cream cheese filling. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over top.
  • Bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool on a rack, then allow to chill in refrigerator before serving. Remove squares from pan by lifting parchment paper and place on a cutting board to cut evenly into 12 squares.

Notes

Nutrition information based on use of full fat cream cheese and salted butter.

Nutrition

Serving: 1square | Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 37.7g | Protein: 4.2g | Fat: 21.9g | Saturated Fat: 11.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4.9g | Cholesterol: 66mg | Sodium: 220.1mg | Potassium: 115.1mg | Fiber: 2.5g | Sugar: 23.1g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Nutrition Facts
Apple Cream Cheese Squares
Amount Per Serving (1 square)
Calories 354 Calories from Fat 197
% Daily Value*
Fat 21.9g34%
Saturated Fat 11.7g73%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.5g
Monounsaturated Fat 4.9g
Cholesterol 66mg22%
Sodium 220.1mg10%
Potassium 115.1mg3%
Carbohydrates 37.7g13%
Fiber 2.5g10%
Sugar 23.1g26%
Protein 4.2g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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7 thoughts on “Apple Cream Cheese Squares”

    1. Funny that you mentioned that. I actually started making a caramel sauce but got distracted and it turned into a disaster. I almost had to throw out the pot.
      But yes, you’re right, that would be extra yummy!

  1. I’m adding this recipe to my “someday”, but it will be someday soon. I repost my thoughts. I loved the harrowsmith magazines and books.

      1. We subscribed too, it was our bible, when we had our hobby farm. Build chicken coops from there plans etc, and I too have cut out recipes in my folders. They tried a comeback a few years ago, but it did not make.

  2. I have been looking for this exact recipe from Harrowsmith magazine that I had cut out and put it in my “favorites ” folder. I mistakenly threw it out. So happy to retrieve it!! Wasn’t there a picture of a young boy pouring apple juice from a barrel on the page of this recipe?

    1. I no longer have the page that I ripped out. I do, however, think you are right, I can picture that image now that you mention it!

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