Apple Cheesecake Bars

How I haven't blogged about this recipe is beyond me. . .the pictures have been sitting on my hard-drive for almost a year now!  I've been seeing versions of this recipe make it's way around pinterest lately, what with fall coming in soon it makes sense.  Although I left off the caramel topping, it really does give it that wonderful extra bit of love, doesn't it?

Maybe next time I'll add the caramel.  I do remember being the only one to eat it in my house. . .Captain Jax likes his cheesecake 'pure'.  I wasn't complaining, it was my breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a few days!

APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS
Posted at: http//recipesofacheapskate.blogspot.com
Original recipe: www.melskitchencafe.com

Base:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Apples:

• 4 large granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

• 1 cup caramel sauce (from a jar works fine)

Preheat oven to 350degs.  In a bowl, mix together the ingredients under the 'apple' section.  Set aside.  In another bowl, combine the streusel topping ingredients and mix until crumbly.  Set aside.  To make the base, combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.  Cut in butter with a pastry blender or two forks until it's crumbly but combined.  Press into a greased or lined 9x13 pan.  Bake for 10 minutes.  While the crust is baking mix together the cream cheese layer by mixing the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.  Add the eggs, one at a time, and then vanilla.  Mix well, and pour over the warm crust.  Spoon the apple layer over the cheesecake layer.  Sprinkle with the streursel topping and bake for 30 minutes.  Cool the bars to room temperature and drizzle with caramel topping.  Or plate individually and drizzle.