Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

{Crust:}
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

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{Cheesecake Filling:}
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar

3 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

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{Apples:}
3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped

2 Tbsp sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

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{Streusel Topping:}

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup quick cooking oats

1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
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In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.

{I like to really combine it by using clean hands to thoroughly combine the butter into the mixture.}

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{Caramel Sauce}

1/2 cup heated caramel topping
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

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.
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In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup 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.
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In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, 2 Tbsp sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

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Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.

Sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping.

Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set.

Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool.

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Serve cold and enjoy!