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Cranberry Cheesecake Bars Recipe

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4.2 from 1 review

These Cranberry Cheesecake Bars combine a buttery sugar cookie crust with a creamy cheesecake layer swirled with tart cranberry-orange sauce, making a festive and delicious holiday dessert that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients

Cookie Crust

  • 1 (21-ounce) pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
  • ½ cup butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg

Cranberry Orange Sauce

  • 1½ cups whole cranberries
  • ¾ cup orange juice (divided)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest

Cheesecake Layer

  • 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pan: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Make Cookie Crust: In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and egg until smooth. Add the sugar cookie mix and flour, then beat until a crumbly dough forms. Press this mixture evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 18 minutes. Remove from the oven once done.
  3. Cook Cranberry Orange Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, ½ cup of orange juice, sugar, salt, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens. Stir in the remaining ¼ cup orange juice for added brightness, then remove from heat.
  4. Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and eggs, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Assemble Bars: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the partially baked cookie crust. Spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the cheesecake layer and use a butter knife to gently swirl the sauce into the cheesecake layer for a marbled effect.
  6. Bake Cheesecake Bars: Return the pan to the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set and no longer jiggles.
  7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow them to set completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
  • Use a light hand when swirling the cranberry sauce to create a pretty marbled look without mixing it fully.
  • For cleaner slices, use a sharp knife wiped between cuts.
  • These bars can be stored covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/cranberry-cheesecake-bars-recipe/