Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Your guest's taste buds will surely be joyous after taking a bite of these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. Each bite is a mix of seasonal flavors with the rich, creamy cheesecake, luscious caramel topping, and the sweet, crisp goodness of the fresh apple center. This is a dessert that everyone will want to get their hands on.

CRUST:

·       2 cups all-purpose flour

·       1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

·       1 cup butter, softened

CHEESECAKE FILLING:

·       3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

·       3/4 cup sugar

·       3 large eggs

·       1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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

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 caramel topping for drizzling after baked

INSTRUCTIONS

1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2.              In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender or food processor (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan that is greased or lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil or parchment. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

3.              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.

4.              In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.

5.              For the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture. You can't use a food processor because it will grind up the oats.

6.              Sprinkle Streusel topping over apples. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Let bars come to room temperature then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Can be frozen up to 4 months.

7.              Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool. Serve cold and enjoy!