# What you need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
03 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Cheesecake Layer
05 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 large egg
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 cup lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite or 7UP)
→ Cinnamon Apple Layer
10 - 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
11 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
13 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
→ Topping
14 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
15 - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
16 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
17 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
18 - Pinch of salt
# Steps to follow:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine flour, melted butter, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from oven.
03 - In a clean bowl, beat softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gently blend in the lemon-lime soda. Pour mixture evenly over the warm crust.
04 - Toss diced apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice until thoroughly coated. Distribute apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
05 - In a separate bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, softened butter, ground cinnamon, and salt until crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples.
06 - Return pan to oven and bake for 30 minutes, until the topping is golden and center is set with a slight jiggle. Allow bars to cool completely in the pan.
07 - Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before lifting bars out using the parchment overhang. Slice and serve chilled or at room temperature.
