caramel apple cheesecake bars

prep time:  tbd
cook time:  50 minutes
servings:  tbd

ingredients:
3 cups flour - separated
1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar - separated
3 sticks butter - room temperature
3 8-ounce packages cream cheese - softened
3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large apples - cubed
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup quick cooking oats
jar of caramel sauce

steps:
1.  preheat oven to 350 degrees.  line a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with aluminum foil.  in a bowl, combine the 2 cups flour with 1/2 cup brown sugar.  add 2 sticks of butter and use a fork of pastry blender to mix until crumbly.  press into the aluminum lined dish.  place in the oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes. 

2.  in a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar.  beat until smooth.  add the eggs one at a time, beating the mixture between each.  add the vanilla and mix.  pour over the baked crust.

3.  in a mixing bowl combine the apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.  sprinkle apples evenly over the cheesecake mixture. 

4.  combine 1 cup brown sugar, 1 cup flour 1 stick of butter and the oats until crumbly.  sprinkle over the apple layer.  place the dish back in the oven and bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until cheesecake filling is set.  drizzle the top with caramel sauce and cook completely.

- henning love blog