DUTCH APPLE CHEESECAKE PIE BARS

Ingredients

King Arthur Flour Essential Goodness Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bar Mix

Graham Cracker Crust

1/4 cup butter, melted

graham cracker crust mix from box

Cheesecake Layer

2- 8 oz paackages cream cheese, softened

cheesecake filling mix from box

2 eggs, room temperature

Apple Pie Layer

3 medium or 4 small Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, chopped into small pieces

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg


Streusel Topping

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/3 cup oats

3/4 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup pecan halves

6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small pieces

caramel sauce (optional)


Directions

Preheat oven to 325

LIghtly grease a 9 inch square pan. Line with parchment paper(optional).

Graham Cracker Crust

Combine the melted butter and crust mix in a small bowl and stir untill uniform.

Press the crumbs into the bottom of the prepared pan forming an even layer.

Bake for 14 minuutes. Remove from oven when done.

Cheesecake Layer

Beat cream cheese and filling mix until smooth. Add eggs, one a time, mixing until combined. Scrape down mixing bowl as needed.

Pour the cheesecake over the hot crust.

Apple Pie Layer

Toss chopped apples with sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg in a medium size bowl. Make sure apples are thoroughly coated.

Evenly spoon the apples on top of the cheesecake layer.


Streusel Topping

Add all of the streusel ingredients into a food processor and pulse until the largest pieces are the size of a pea or smaller

Carefully spread the streusel layer over the top of the apples making sure it gets in and around the apple pie layer

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until topping is golden brown and only the center of the pan wiggles when it is gently shaken.'

Let bars cool at room temperature for one hour. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours (or overnight) before cutting squares and serving

Top with caramel sauce if desired

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