Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

By srumbel

The shortbread crust uses brown sugar, which I had never done before, & it just gives it a depth of flavor you don't get with a white sugar shortbread crust. The cream cheese layer is perfectly creamy & just the right thickness. The apples are lightly tart & the crunchy streusel just takes it over the top for me! I am a streusel fan & this streusel was the perfect crunchy texture amongst all the other smooth & chunky elements of this dessert.
from dessertnowdinnerlater.com

Ingredients

• Crust:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup (2 sticks ) butter, softened
• Cheesecake Filling:
• 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla
• Apples:
• 3 Granny Smith or Macintosh apples, peeled, cored, & cut into 1/2" or less cubes
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
• Streusel Topping:
• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• Drizzle:
• 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after being baked

Preparation

Step 1

Pre-heat oven to 350˚F.
In a stand mixer, combine flour, brown sugar, & softened butter until it comes together (you will know when it's ready because it will be super dry & crumbly & then all of a sudden will pack together & look moist.) Press evenly into a 13x9" baking pan lightly greased with cooking spray. Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar using an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, one at a time, & then add vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.
In a small bowl, stir together cubed apples, 2 Tbsp sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg & lemon juice. Spoon apple mixture (juices & all) evenly over cream cheese mixture.
For the streusel topping: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top of the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping & let cool. Serve cold & enjoy!
*Makes 16 bars/squares.