Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling

• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Apple Layer

• 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped (about 3 cups)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping

• 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1/2 cup butter, softened

For Finishing

• 1/2 cup caramel topping, for drizzling after baking

Equipment

• 9x13-inch baking dish
• Electric mixer
• Pastry blender

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the flour and brown sugar for the crust. Cut the softened butter into the mixture using a pastry blender, food processor, or two forks until the texture is crumbly. Firmly press the mixture into a greased or parchment- or foil-lined 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden.
3. While the crust bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract until just combined. Spread the filling evenly over the warm crust.
4. In a small bowl, combine the chopped apples with the 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon the apple mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
5. To prepare the streusel, mix together the brown sugar, flour, oats, and softened butter in a small bowl. Use your hands to work the butter into the dry ingredients until everything is well combined. Avoid using a food processor, as it will break down the oats too much.
6. Evenly sprinkle the streusel over the apples. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the cheesecake filling is fully set. Allow the bars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 4 months.
7. Before serving, drizzle the bars with the caramel topping. Serve chilled.

Notes

• Adapted from a Paula Deen recipe, with the cheesecake layer increased by 1.5 times.
• Serving size: 1 gram
• Cuisine: American