"🍊 CRANBERRY ORANGE CHEESECAKE BARS 🍰✨ Your new favorite
📝 INGREDIENTS:
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
Zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
🔔 INSTRUCTIONS:
STEP 1: PREPARE THE CRUST
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
STEP 2: MAKE THE CHEESECAKE FILLING
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the sugar, mixing until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate Flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract, sour cream, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
STEP 3: ASSEMBLE AND BAKE
- Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and allow to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
STEP 4: SERVE
- Cut and Serve: Once set, lift the cheesecake bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes | Servings: 16
Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars, a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of orange! 🍊🍰✨"