Caramel Apple Bars

Oh Boy!  I noticed these bars on the Internet the other day, (this first pic is from Google images), and I've wanted to try them ever since.  Although, after reading the original recipe by Paula Deen, I knew a few minor changes were in order to make them healthier.

 

 

Also, the hubby and I are taking a vacation. I'm sooo excited!  Sore foot and all, we're sending our kiddies up north and heading west.  I figured these Fall bars would be a good treat to send with them.   

 

 

To prepare the crust, mix the flour, brown sugar, oats, applesauce, and butter together.  The applesauce makes the crust wonderfully moist and flavorful while omitting the need for the second stick of butter that the original recipe calls for. 

 

The crust easily presses into the pan.  Tip: line pan with foil for easier clean up.  I happened to be clear out.

 

 

As the crust bakes, whip up the filling.

 

A couple eggs, cream cheese, yogurt, a little bit of sugar, and vanilla make up the cheesecake like filling.  Using light cream cheese and the addition of yogurt are a couple more changes I made.  The yogurt ups the protein and enhances the sweet creaminess.

 

After the crust is done baking while it is still hot, pour on the filling and bake it.  Next, is the star ingredient-- Apples!

 

 

I thinly sliced the apples, but the next time I make this, I'm going to try dicing them.

 

The apple slices do look really nice though.

 

Sprinkle with cinnamon and inhale deeply-- AHhhhhhh.

 

Drizzle with caramel.

 

Top with the Streusel Topping and Enjoy!

Caramel Apple Bars

Adapted by Paula Deen

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 cup quick cooking oats

Filling:

• 2 (8-ounce) packages light cream cheese, softened
• 1 (5.3-ounce) package Oikos yogurt with honey
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 Granny Smith apples, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup caramel topping
• Streusel topping, recipe follows

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, brown sugar, and applesauce. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until mixture is crumbly. Press evenly into a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking pan lined with heavy-duty aluminum foil. Bake 15 minutes or until lightly browned.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and yogurt with 1/2 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.
Bake 30 minutes, or until filling is set. Top with sliced apples and sprinkle with cinnamon. Drizzle with caramel topping.   Sprinkle evenly with Streusel topping.

Streusel Topping:

• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats

        Mix together in a small bowl.