Creamy Baked Cheese Bars Recipe

Creamy Baked Cheese Bars Recipe

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Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of these delectable cheese bars. A perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors, these bars are easy to make and even easier to devour. The crispy crust paired with the smooth, cheesy filling is a match made in heaven.

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Instructions:

Make the Crust:

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt.
  2. Cut in Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Form Dough: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to the crumb mixture, tossing with a fork until the dough comes together.
  4. Chill Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Roll Out Dough: Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch square.
  6. Transfer to Pan: Transfer the dough to a 9×9-inch baking pan, pressing it into the bottom and up the sides.

Make the Filling:

  1. Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Add Sweeteners and Egg: Beat in the granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  3. Incorporate Flour: Gradually stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Assemble and Bake:

  1. Pour Filling: Pour the cream cheese filling over the prepared crust.
  2. Bake: Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling is set and lightly golden brown.
  3. Cool and Cut: Let cool completely before cutting into bars.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of cream cheese and mascarpone cheese.
  • To add a nutty flavor, sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the filling before baking.
  • Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Enjoy these decadent cheese bars with a cup of coffee or tea.

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