Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars with Graham Crust

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tbsp granulated sugar, 0.5 tsp cinnamon, and 6 tbsp melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool slightly.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced apples with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and nutmeg for 5 minutes until slightly softened. This prevents a soggy crust.
4. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and 0.5 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
5. Pour the cheesecake filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread the sautéed apples evenly over the cream cheese layer.
6. In a small bowl, combine oats, flour, 0.5 cup brown sugar, and 0.25 cup cold cubed butter. Use your fingers to pinch the butter into the dry ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over the apple layer.
7. Bake for 45 minutes until the filling is set and the streusel is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
8. Once chilled, lift from the pan using the parchment overhang. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and a pinch of flaky sea salt before slicing into 16 bars.