Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

I don't know about you but when the weather starts to turn a little cooler I get cravings for apples.  I absolutely love apples with caramel.  Mmmmmm!  This recipe is perfect for me and then to add a streusel topping.  Can't beat it!

Crust:

2 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar

1 c. (2 sticks) butter, softened

Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

3/4 c. sugar, plus 2 T., divided

3 large eggs

1 1/2 t. vanilla extract

Apples:

3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped (I use Gala)

1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1/4 t. ground nutmeg

Streusel Topping:

1 c. firmly packed brown sugar

1 c. all-purpose flour

1/2 c. quick cooking oats

1/2 c. (1 stick) butter, softened

Caramel Topping:

1/2 c. caramel topping

Preheat oven to 350*.  In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar.  Cut in butter with a pastry blender (or 2 forks) until mixture is crumbly.  Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil.  Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.  

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 c. sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth.  Then add eggs, 1 at a time, and vanilla.  Stir to combine.  Pour over warm crust.

In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 T. sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.

In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.  I like to really combine it by using my clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture.  Sprinkle streusel topping over apples.  Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set.  

Drizzle with caramel topping and let it cool.  Serve cold and enjoy!