Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Now that it's October (although it's still in the mid-80s here--way too hot!!) I've gone on a fall baking kick. I love apples, I love streusel, and I love caramel, so these caramel apple cheesecake bars hit the spot!

Ingredients

3 cups flour

3 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cup quick oats

1 1/2 cup melted butter

2 8-oz packages of cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup + 2 Tbs sugar, divided

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

3 apples, peeled and chopped

cinnamon

nutmeg

caramel topping

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Combine flour, brown sugar, quick oats, and melted butter; mix on low speed until crumbly and delicious. Press 2/3 of the mixture into a 9x13 pan, reserving the rest. Bake 15 minutes or until golden brown.

3. In large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth; beat in 1/2 cup sugar, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Pour over warm crust.

4. In small bowl, stir together apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg; spoon over cream cheese layer. Sprinkle evenly with remaining streusel topping.

5. Bake 30-35 minutes or until set. Drizzle individual pieces with caramel topping.