# Ingredient List:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Cream Cheese Filling
05 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Apple Cinnamon Swirl
09 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 1/4 cup brown sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
14 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
15 - Pinch of salt
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
03 - Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until apples soften and juices thicken. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
04 - Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract; mix until well incorporated.
05 - Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled crust. Spoon the apple mixture on top and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
06 - Bake for 25 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges turn lightly golden.
07 - Allow bars to cool completely in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting out and cutting into 16 bars.
