A bountiful harvest of chopped apple tops these delicious layered cheesecake bars.

Harvest Apple Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
3/4 cup granulated sugar - divided use
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup cold butter
1 cup chopped nuts
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons milk
1 large egg, beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups chopped apples

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and the cinnamon; cut in butter using pastry blender or two knives until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; stir in nuts. Reserve 2 cups of the crumb mixture for topping; press remaining crumb mixture firmly onto bottom of 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
3. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and milk with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar, egg and vanilla and mix well. Pour over crust. Top with apples; sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and apples are tender. Cool completely.
5. Cut into 24 bars to serve. Store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

Makes 24 servings.