Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients Shortbread Crust: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup (2 sticks ) butter, softened Cheesecake Filling: 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp pure vanilla Apples: 3 Granny Smith or Macintosh apples, peeled, cored, & cut into 1/2" or less cubes 2 Tbsp sugar 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice

Ingredients Cont: Streusel Topping: 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup quick cooking oats 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened Drizzle: 1/2 cup caramel topping for drizzling after

Pre-heat oven to 350*F. In a stand mixer, combine flour, brown sugar, & softened butter until it comes together (you will know when it's ready because it will be super dry & crumbly & then all of a sudden will pack together & look moist.) Press evenly into a 13x9" baking pan lightly greased with cooking spray. Bake 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar using an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, one at a time, & then add vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.

In a small bowl, stir together cubed apples, 2 Tbsp sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg & lemon juice. Spoon apple mixture (juices & all) evenly over cream cheese mixture. For the streusel topping: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl with a fork until crumbly. Sprinkle over the top of the apples. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping & let cool. Serve cold & enjoy!