Shelly's Recipe

CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE COOKIE BARS

Category: Bars

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar, divided
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 Golden Delicious apples, chopped
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 jar caramel topping

Crumb Topping:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup quick-cooking oats
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cubed and softened

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into 13-by-9-inch pan or cookie sheet with edges. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Add eggs, 1 at a time. Next add vanilla. Mix until combined. Pour over warm crust.

In small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and pumpkin pie spice. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.

Crumb topping: In small bowl, combine flour, oats and brown sugar. Add cubed butter and combine. Crumble over cream cheese mixture. Bake 30 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping and store in refrigerator. Makes 12 to 18.