Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cups peeled & diced apples
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats

Instructions

1. 1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper.
2. 2Make crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into pan. Bake 8 minutes. Cool slightly.
3. 3Make cheesecake layer: Beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time. Pour over crust; spread evenly.
4. 4Make apple filling: In a skillet, cook apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice over medium heat until tender, about 6-8 minutes. Let cool slightly, then spoon over cheesecake layer.
5. 5Make streusel: Mix flour, brown sugar and cinnamon. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Stir in oats. Sprinkle over apples.
6. 6Bake 40-45 minutes, until set and golden on top. Cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours before slicing. Drizzle with caramel if desired.