I made this really yummilicious bars last year , it’s like an apple crumble and cheesecake rolled into one.  The recipe is from Paula Deen, it’s originally with caramel topping but I didn’t add  it ( actually, I overlooked the caramel topping..totally missed it,  hehee);  if you want you can use any ready-made caramel topping or dulce de leche.  Give it a try if you haven’t yet, it’s really, really good  just don’t eat more than 2 servings in one sitting if you can help it ☺

APPLE CHEESECAKE STREUSEL BARS
recipe courtesy of Paula Deen and Food Network
makes 2 dozen bars

Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped (I used fuji apples)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Streusel topping, recipe follows
1/2 cup caramel topping

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 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, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping. Bake 30 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping.

Streusel Topping:
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.

Yield: approximately 3 cups

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