Decadent Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars for a Sweet Treat!
Ingredients:
For the crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3/4 cup (12 tablespoons) cold butter, cubed
For the cheesecake:
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
For the apples:
3 granny smith apples, peeled and chopped small
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
For the streusel topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
1/2 cup rolled oats
For the caramel sauce (optional):
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
To make the crust, combine the brown sugar, flour, and cold butter in a small bowl. Mix with a pastry cutter or your hands until crumbly. Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly browned.
While the crust is baking, make the cheesecake filling. In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and eggs until smooth.
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until the apples are coated.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked crust and spread evenly. Sprinkle the apples over the cheesecake filling.
To make the streusel topping, combine the flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats in a bowl. Mix with a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture has a wet sand-like texture. Spread the streusel topping evenly over the apples.
Bake the cheesecake bars for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are slightly pulled and the center is soft but slightly jiggly.
Let the bars cool for 1 hour at room temperature, then refrigerate for 3 hours before serving.
Optional: Make the caramel sauce by heating the granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and amber-colored. Add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir until smooth. Add the sea salt and stir to combine. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake bars before serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes