Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange in these Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars. These decadent treats are the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a creamy, velvety cheesecake filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring an overhang on two opposite sides for easy removal.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, salt, and melted butter until the mixture is thoroughly moistened. Press this crust mixture firmly and evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gently stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, and sour cream until just combined. Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Bake the cheesecake bars for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set but still has a slight wobble. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then cover and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until it’s firm.
- While the cheesecake is chilling, make the cranberry topping. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, water, orange juice, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, and continue cooking until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened, about 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the cranberry topping from the heat and let it cool completely.
- Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, spread the cooled cranberry topping evenly over the surface. Use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the baked cheesecake bars from the pan. Cut the bars into your desired squares and serve.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother cheesecake filling.
Avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter to prevent air bubbles and cracks.
Allow ample chilling time (at least 2 hours) for the cheesecake to firm up properly.
Consider garnishing with a dollop of whipped cream, extra orange zest, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for a professional touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg