Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

Based on 6 reviews

Ingredients:

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

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

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.

Recipe Courtesy of Paula Deen

Servings: 2 dozen
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 45 min
Difficulty: Easy

Show: Paula's Home Cooking/Sep/Oct 2006 issue