Ingredients for Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Bars
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Pecan halves (for topping, optional)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
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How to Make Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Bars
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup packed light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
- Cut in ½ cup shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in ½ cup chopped pecans.
- Reserve ¾ cup of the flour mixture.
- Press the remaining flour mixture firmly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x9 inch baking pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate orange filling: In a medium bowl, beat together 8 ounces cream cheese (softened), ½ cup granulated sugar, and 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder until fluffy.
- Beat in ¼ cup milk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon orange zest until smooth.
- Spread the filling evenly over the warm crust.
- Sprinkle the reserved flour mixture evenly over the filling.
- Gently press pecan halves onto the top, if desired.
- Return to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly browned.
- Let cool completely in the pan before refrigerating for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set completely.
- Cut into bars and serve. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
1 g
Sugar
40g
Fat
11g
Carbs
5g
