CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS / 24 BARS
These creamy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars start with a shortbread crust, a thick cheesecake layer, and are topped with diced cinnamon apples and a sweet streusel topping.
INGREDIENTS Crust: 2 cups flour 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1 cup butter, softened
Cheesecake Filling: 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar 3 large eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
Streusel Topping: 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup quick cooking oats 1/2 cup butter, softened
Drizzle: 1/2 cup store bought caramel topping
Apples: 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped, (about 3 cups) 2 tablespoons sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
STEPS combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter til crumbly. Press evenly into 9x13 baking pan that is greased or lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust. In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.
Streusel topping: combine w/ hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture. You can't use a food processor because it will grind up the oats.Sprinkle topping over apples.
Bake 350 deg 40-45 min til set. Set to room temp. Fridge up to 5 days. Can freeze 4 mos.
Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool. Serve cold.