Suspiciously Cheesy Apple Crumb Bars

When we were brainstorming our ideal apple dessert, two classic supporting ingredients came to mind. No, not cinnamon and caramel! Sharp cheddar cheese and buttery Ritz crackers. But after trying (and failing) to achieve a cheesy taste that came through even after baking, we had a thought: Why not harness the super-powered cheesiness of cheese crackers instead? Incorporating Cheez-Its into the dough results in a toasty, buttery flavor that your friends will be able to identify as deliciousness, but not necessarily as cheesiness. (Trust us, we did a blind taste-test!) The crisp crust, which also turns into the crumb topping, comes together in the food processor, and a finished slice is as beautiful as a slice of pie—but way easier.