Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

Prep Time:20 Mins | Total Time:55 Mins | Makes:24

Thanks to oatmeal cookie mix and pie filling, these rich cheesecake bars are easy-as-pie to make.

1 pouch (496 g) Betty Crocker* Oatmeal Cookie Mix

1/2 cup (125 mL) firm butter or margarine

2 pkgs (each 250 g) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar

2 tbsp (25 mL) flour

1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla

1 egg

1 can (540 mL) apple pie filling

1/2 tsp (2 mL) cinnamon

1/4 cup (50 mL) chopped walnuts

Heat oven to 350°F (180°C). Spray bottom and sides of 9x13-in (22 x33 cm) rectangular baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Place cookie mix in large bowl. With pastry blender or fork, cut in butter until mixture is crumbly and coarse. Reserve 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) crumb mixture; press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. Bake 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla and egg with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Spread cream cheese mixture evenly over partially baked crust. In medium bowl, mix pie filling and cinnamon. Spoon evenly over cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle reserved crumbs over top. Sprinkle with walnuts.
Bake 35 to 40 minutes longer or until light golden brown. Cool about 30 minutes. Refrigerate to chill, about 2 hours. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered in refrigerator.

Oatmeal Cookie Mix

Kitchen Tip: Variation: Cut the bars into larger servings and serve with a fork.

1 Bar: Calories 240; ( Calories from Fat 110 ); Total Fat 13g ( Saturated Fat 7g , Trans Fat 0g ) ; Cholesterol 40mg; Sodium 170mg; Total Carbohydrate 29g ( Dietary Fiber 0g , Sugars 19g ); Protein 4g Percent Daily Value* : Vitamin A 8%; Vitamin C 0%; Calcium 2%; Iron 4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.