Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

 

 

Crust:

1 C flour

1/4 C light brown sugar

1/2 C butter, room temperature

Cream Cheese Filling:

1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling:

1/4 C sugar

1 egg

Apples:

2 Granny Smith apples, diced (I used 1 Granny Smith and 1 Pacific Rose) 

1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice 

1 T sugar 

Streusel Topping:

1/2 C packed brown sugar

1/2 C flour

1/4 C old fashioned oats

1/4 C butter, room temperature

Caramel sauce

 

Preheat oven to 350°

In a 8X8 pan combine crust ingredients, flour, brown sugar and butter. Using a fork combine the ingredients until they make a coarse crumb and press mixture firmly in the bottom of the pan and bake for 12-14 minutes until lightly browned.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, vanilla, 1/4 cup sugar and egg. Beat until combined and smooth. Set aside.

Dice apples and sprinkle with the 1 T sugar and 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice. Stir until coated evenly. Set aside.

Make streusel by combining all ingredients, brown sugar, flour, oats and butter and stir with your  fork until evenly mixed. Set aside. I used extra melted butter because it was dry. I also added a dash of cinnamon.

When crust is done baking, spread the cream cheese mixture on top of warm crust, top with diced apples and finally with streusel. But back in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until center is set. Let the pan cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes and then place in refrigerator to chill for approximately 2 hours, or overnight. Cut into squares when ready to serve and drizzle caramel sauce all over the top.

 

Recipe from: The Inspired Dreamer