CARAMEL-APPLE CHEESECAKE BARS

Caramel-Apple Cheesecake Bars image

These pecan-topped bars are yummy any time of year, but they're especially good during cooler months when you're craving something rich and satisfying. -Katy Roche, Batavia, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h20m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 22

Ingredients

1-1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons brown sugar
APPLE LAYER:
4 cups thinly sliced peeled tart apples
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
CREAM CHEESE LAYER:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
CARAMEL LAYER:
1 package (14 ounces) caramels
1/3 cup 2% milk
TOPPING:
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
5 tablespoons butter, melted

Steps:

In a small bowl, combine the cracker crumbs, pecans, butter and brown sugar. Press onto the bottom of a well-greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack., In a small bowl, combine the apples, flour and sugar; spoon over crust. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Pour over apples., In a small saucepan, combine caramels and milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth; pour over cream cheese layer. In a small bowl, combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over caramel., Bake at 350° until center is almost set, 35-40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Cut into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 303 calories, Fat 17g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 47mg cholesterol, Sodium 149mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (26g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.