Apple Cheesecake Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Apples

01 - 3 Granny Smith apples, medium-sized, finely chopped after peeling and coring
02 - 2 tbsp granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
04 - 1/4 tsp nutmeg (ground)

→ Streusel Topping

05 - 1/2 cup (50 g) instant oats
06 - 1/2 cup (113 g) softened salted butter
07 - 1 cup (142 g) regular flour
08 - 1/2 tsp cinnamon spice
09 - 1 cup (212 g) firmly packed brown sugar

→ Shortbread Base

10 - 1/4 tsp table salt
11 - 2 cups (284 g) general-purpose flour
12 - 1/2 cup (106 g) packed brown sugar
13 - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
14 - 1 cup (227 g) salted butter, softened to room temp

→ Cream Cheese Layer

15 - 16 oz (454 g) cream cheese, softened (2 packs of 8 oz each)
16 - 2 large eggs
17 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
18 - 1/2 cup (106 g) white sugar

→ Caramel Sauce

19 - 4 tbsp salted butter
20 - 1 tbsp vanilla (use 1 tsp for a milder flavor)
21 - 1 cup (212 g) packed light brown sugar
22 - Pinch of plain salt
23 - 1/2 cup rich heavy cream

# Instructions:

01 - Turn the oven to 350°F and let it preheat. You can cover a 9x13-inch pan with foil for easier cleanup. Use nonstick spray to lightly grease the foil.
02 - Mix the diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl and set it to the side for now.
03 - Grab a medium bowl and stir together the brown sugar, oats, flour, cinnamon, and butter. Use your fingers, a pastry tool, or two forks to mix it until crumbly. Put it aside.
04 - In another medium bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. Blend in the butter using a pastry blender or forks until it feels crumbly but evenly combined. Press the mixture into your pan and bake for about 10 minutes, just until the edges start turning golden.
05 - While the crust bakes, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a big bowl—use either a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Add one egg at a time, then the vanilla, and beat until it's all smooth. Scrape the sides of the bowl if needed. Pour it evenly on the warm crust.
06 - Stir the apple mix again, then spoon it over the cream cheese layer. Sprinkle the streusel topping over it. Bake the whole thing for 30-35 minutes until the center has set.
07 - Combine butter, sugar, cream, and salt in a saucepan. Heat on medium-low, stirring gently as it begins to simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes to thicken. Add vanilla, simmer one more minute, then take it off the heat.
08 - Let the bars cool. Drizzle the caramel on top while warm, or plate individual pieces and drizzle them before serving. If the caramel has been in the fridge, warm it up before using.

# Notes:

01 - You can store these bars in the fridge for about 5 days.
02 - If you make the caramel ahead of time, keep it in the fridge and warm it before using.
03 - Chilling the bars before slicing helps get cleaner edges. Slice with a warm knife.
04 - Want to use unsalted butter? Just add a pinch or two of salt to each part.

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