Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel topping

(this was previously posted- I also made it for my Apple party.  It is the BEST!)

I made this last night for our Bon Appetit dinner with the Cooks.  Let's see- caramel apple, cheesecake, bars (as opposed to a set cheesecake which means much simpler) and streusel....what's NOT to like!  This was a fabulous dessert.  It was a lick your plate dessert.  Of course, Paula and I do lick our plates.  I know.  Not good manners....  but a GREAT dessert!


Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Streusel Topping

(original recipe Paula Deen, adapted by the girl who ate everything)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

3 (8 oz.) packages of cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar (plus 2 T. for apples)

3 large eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

3 Granny smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg

Streusel topping, recipe follows

1/2 cup caramel topping

Directions- Preheat oven to 350 degrees

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-in. baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil.  bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.  

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 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 T. 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.