Crust: 2 cups all-purpose flour ~ 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar ~ 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
Cheesecake Filling: 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened ~ 3/4 cup sugar, plus 2 tablespoons, divided ~ 3 large eggs ~ 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Apples: 3 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and finely chopped ~ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ~ 1/4 teaspoon ground 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 ~PLUS~ caramel topping (like you use on ice cream)
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. STEP 1. 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. STEP 2. 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. STEP 3. In a small bowl, stir together chopped apples, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. STEP 4. In a small bowl, combine your Streusel Topping ingredients. Make sure it is mixed thoroughly. If necessary use your clean hands to get it mixed completely. STEP 5. Sprinkle the Streusel Topping evening over the top of the apples and bake 40-45 minutes or until filling is set. STEP 6. Drizzle with the caramel (ice cream) topping. The amount you use is left up to you. Serve cold. ~ Chef ~
