Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

For the Crust

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Layer

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Layer

• 2 large apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Crumb Topping

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

For the Topping

• Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 or 9×9 pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix graham crumbs and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
3. In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla and mix until creamy. Spread over the crust.
4. Toss the diced apples with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Scatter evenly over the cheesecake layer.
5. For the crumb topping, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the apples.
6. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the edges are set and the topping is golden.
7. Cool completely, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.
8. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.