Apple Caramel Bars (Print-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ Crust

01 - A stick of butter (1 cup), softened
02 - Firmly packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup
03 - All-purpose flour, 2 cups

→ Cheesecake Filling

04 - Three 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, brought to room temperature
05 - Three eggs, large size
06 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
07 - Vanilla extract, 1 1/2 teaspoons

→ Apples

08 - Three Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped (makes about 3 cups)
09 - Cinnamon ground spice, 1/2 teaspoon
10 - Nutmeg ground spice, 1/4 teaspoon
11 - Two tablespoons of sugar

→ Streusel Topping

12 - 1/2 cup softened butter
13 - Flour, 1 cup
14 - 1/2 cup quick oats
15 - Packed brown sugar, 1 cup

→ Drizzle

16 - Caramel topping, about 1/2 cup, for finishing touches

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Mix together the flour and brown sugar in a bowl. Cut in the butter with two forks or a pastry blender until it's crumbly. Spread it flat inside a 9x13 pan you've greased or lined, then bake for about 15 minutes, just until it looks golden.
02 - Using a mixer at medium speed, combine the cream cheese with the sugar until creamy. Add the eggs one by one as it's mixing, then stir in the vanilla by hand. Pour the mixture evenly on top of the freshly baked crust.
03 - Stir together the apple pieces, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Spread this mixture gently over the cream cheese layer.
04 - In your hands or a bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, flour, and softened butter until it all sticks together. Avoid using any machines and rely on your hands for this step.
05 - Scatter the streusel mix right over the apple layer. Bake the whole dish for 40–45 minutes. You'll know it's done when the center is firm. Let it cool completely.
06 - After the bars have cooled down, drizzle caramel sauce across the top. Keep them in the fridge for up to five days or put them in the freezer for four months. They're best served cold. Enjoy!

# Helpful Notes:

01 - Make sure the pan is extra clean to start things off right.

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