Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars

oh. em. gee. these are to die for, and you must make them immediately. go now. after reading the recipe.

this is the prize-winning recipe of 2007 for Betty Crocker's oatmeal cookie mix challenge.

1 pouch Betty Crocker oatmeal cookie mix (1lb 1.5oz)

1/2 cup firm butter or margarine

2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (Betty suggests Gold Medal)

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

1 can (21 oz) apple pie filling

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1. heat oven to 350 degrees. spray bottom and sides of 13x9 pan with cooking spray

2. place cookie mix in large bowl. cut in butter until mixture is crumbly and coarse. reserve 1 1/2 cups crumb mixture; press remaining crumbs in bottom of pan. bake 10 minutes.

3. meanwhile, in large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg until smooth

4, 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.

5. bake 35-40 minutes longer or until light golden brown. cool about 30 minutes. refrigerate to chill, about 2 hours.

prep time: 20 minutes
makes: 24 bars

these were soooo delicious and soooo easy.