Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars

I saw a recipe for caramel apple cheesecake and I had to make it!  There was only one problem - I hate apples.  Okay, I don't hate apples, I just don't like chunks of them in my dessert!  Yes, I am one of those strange people who only likes certain foods a certain way.  Bananas...I couldn't take a bite of a banana if my life depended on it.  Now banana bread on the other hand...I love it!!!  Growing up, if there was an apple pie in my house, I would take a slice and spoon out all of the apples, leaving me just the crust and the gooey goodness.  I love apple pie - minus the apples! 

I just had to make this dessert.  It looked too good to pass up, so I "de-appled" it and replaced the apples with apple sauce.  Genius!  This dessert was an Easter hit!  By the time everyone had left, it was all gone!  Completely!  As a matter of fact, several pieces were smuggled right out under my nose!

If you are a chunky apple fan, feel free to substitute real apples for the apple sauce!

Warning...if you are anti-butter or counting fat/calories, turn away now!  This is a very rich and decadent dessert.  This is the perfect dish for company or parties.  It will definitely impress!

Here's what you'll need...

Crust:
1 1/2 C graham cracker crumbs
1 stick of butter, melted

Filling:
3 8 oz. bars of cream cheese, softened
3/4 C sugar
3 lg eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Gooey Goodness Topping:
1/2 C apple sauce
1/2 C brown sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

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

 

Drizzle:

1/2 C caramel topping

 

Directions...

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with 3/4 cup sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Slowly add eggs and vanilla.
4. Pour over warm crust.
5. In a small bowl, mix the apple sauce, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture.
6. For the streusel topping, combine all ingredients and sprinkle on top.
7. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until filling is set. Drizzle with caramel topping and let cool in fridge.

Adapted from Paula Deen