Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars


Once upon a time, a girl made these bars. One bite and she was immediately cast under its spell. Her eyes rolled back into her head, she started to drool and she swore she heard a Disney theme song play every time she walked. She couldn't stop at one and almost ate the entire dish. The more she ate, the more bliss overcame her.

When all was said and done, she didn't develop superpowers, but she did gain 5 pounds.

All in her boobs.

The End.

CARAMEL APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS
Recipe adapted and slightly modified from Paula Deen - God love her.

CRUST:
2 cups flour
½ cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

CHEESECAKE FILLING:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
¾ cup sugar
3 large eggs
1½ teaspoons vanilla extract

APPLES:
3 apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped - ANY apple works here. Use YOUR favorite!
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
1½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 Tablespoons sugar

STREUSEL TOPPING:
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup quick oats
½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened

CARAMEL:
I used dulce de leche. From a jar. Bought in a store. Done.


Preheat oven to 350ºF. In a medium bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly.


Press evenly into a 9x13 baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.


In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar in an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Then add eggs, one at a time, and vanilla. Stir to combine. Pour over warm crust.


In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.


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.

Yields: About 24 bars

Happy Baking!


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