DESSERT RECIPE: Toffee Apple Cheesecake Bars

Nut Layer
1 1/2-cup walnut halves
1/4-cup packed brown sugar
3-tbsp butter, melted
2-tbsp all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

Cheese Layer
1-250g package of cream cheese, softened
3-tbsp granulated sugar
2-tbsp molasses
2-tbsp cornstarch
1-egg

Apple Layer
2-tbsp butter
4-cups peeled, cored and finely sliced apples
1-tbsp granulated sugar
1/2-tsp cinnamon
1/4-tsp ground allspice
2-tbsp coarse brown sugar

Nut Layer
Line the bottom and sides of an 8-inch square metal baking pan with parchment paper
In food processor, finely chop walnuts
Add in the sugar, butter, flour and salt; thoroughly mix
Spread evenly into pan
Bake in centre of oven at 350*F for 12 minutes
Let cool on rack while assembling cheese layer

Cheese Layer
With an electric mixer, beat together cream cheese, sugar, molasses, cornstarch and egg until smooth
Spread evenly over nut layer
Return to oven and bake for 15 minutes

Apple Layer
Meanwhile, melt butter in skillet over medium heat
Add apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon and allspice
Fry, stirring often until apples are tender, about 6 to 12 minutes
Arrange apple mixture evenly over cheese layer; sprinkle with coarse sugar
Return pan to oven and bake another 20 minutes
Let cool completely on rack
Remove from pan and cut into squares

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