Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars

$- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons sugar - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Zest of 1 orange - ¼ cup fresh orange juice - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - ¼ cup sugar (for cranberries) To make these delightful cheesecake bars, you need a mix of sweet and tangy flavors. The crust starts with graham cracker crumbs, which give a nice crunch. You will melt unsalted butter and mix it with sugar to bind the crumbs together. For the creamy filling, soft cream cheese is essential. It blends well with granulated sugar and eggs to create a smooth texture. The zest and juice from the orange add bright notes, while chopped fresh cranberries give a tart kick. - Alternatives for cream cheese: Use ricotta or Greek yogurt for a lighter filling. - Gluten-free graham cracker options: Look for gluten-free graham crackers or use almond flour mixed with butter. - Sweetener substitutions: You can replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. These swaps can help if you have dietary needs or preferences. Each option keeps the essence of the bars while making them work for you. 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Prepare the baking dish. Line an 8x8 inch dish with parchment paper. Let it hang over the edges. This helps with easy removal later. 3. Make the graham cracker crust. In a bowl, mix: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons sugar Combine these ingredients well. Press this mixture into the bottom of your dish. Bake for 10 minutes and let it cool. 1. Combine cream cheese and sugar. In a large bowl, beat together: - 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar Mix until smooth and creamy. 2. Incorporate eggs, vanilla, and citrus flavors. Add 2 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each one. Then add: - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Zest of 1 orange - ¼ cup fresh orange juice Blend until everything is combined and smooth. 1. Mix in cranberries and pour batter. In another bowl, toss: - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - ¼ cup sugar (for cranberries) Coat the cranberries well. Gently fold this into your cheesecake batter. 2. Cooking time and temperature guidelines. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust. Spread it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The center should be set and jiggle slightly. 3. Remove from the oven. Let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely. Using room temperature ingredients is key. Start by taking your cream cheese and eggs out of the fridge about 30 minutes before mixing. This helps the cheesecake blend smoothly. A smooth mix leads to a creamier texture. To avoid cracks in your cheesecake, bake it slowly. Keep your oven at 325°F (160°C). If your oven has hot spots, consider rotating the pan halfway through baking. You can also place a pan of water on the rack below. This adds moisture and helps your cheesecake bake evenly. Garnish your cheesecake bars for a stunning look. Dust the tops with powdered sugar for a snowy touch. Add a few whole cranberries and a slice of orange on top. This makes your bars pop and look festive. For special occasions, serve the cheesecake bars chilled on a decorative platter. You can also pair them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. This adds a creamy contrast and enhances the flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily elevate your cranberry orange cheesecake bars with some simple changes. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor. Just a pinch can add warmth and depth. You might also try different fruit combinations. Consider using blueberries or raspberries for a new twist. Mixing fruits gives you a chance to play with flavors. Each one brings its own unique taste to the bars. If you want a vegan version, swap out the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative. Use silken tofu or cashew cream to keep it creamy. Substitute eggs with flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with water. This keeps the texture smooth while making it vegan. For those watching sugar, consider a low-sugar or keto-friendly version. You can replace granulated sugar with erythritol or stevia. This makes it a great option for various diets. To keep your cranberry orange cheesecake bars fresh, store them in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This will help them stay tasty for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. These bars can last about a week in the fridge. If you freeze them, they stay good for three months. Always check for spoilage before eating. Look for any off smells, discoloration, or a change in texture. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy your delicious dessert with peace of mind! Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them first. This helps them mix well into the cheesecake. Keep in mind, frozen cranberries may be a bit watery. You might need to drain them before use. What can I serve with these cheesecake bars? These bars are great on their own. You can serve them with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A drizzle of chocolate sauce adds a fun touch. Fresh orange slices also make a nice garnish. How do I tell when the cheesecake is done baking? Check the center of the cheesecake. It should be set but still slightly jiggly. If it is too firm, it may be overbaked. The edges should look set while the middle remains soft. What to do if the cheesecake cracks? If your cheesecake cracks, do not worry. It still tastes great! To avoid this, bake at a lower temperature. You can also try a water bath to keep the cheesecake moist. If it cracks after baking, cover it with whipped cream for a pretty fix. How to fix a runny cheesecake? If your cheesecake is runny, it might not be baked enough. Make sure to bake until the center is just set. If it's already cooked, try chilling it longer in the fridge. This can help it firm up. Ideas for accompaniments and pairings Pair these bars with a hot cup of tea or coffee. They also go well with a light salad. For a festive touch, serve alongside mulled wine during the holidays. Ideal occasions for serving these dessert bars These cheesecake bars are perfect for parties and potlucks. Bring them to family gatherings or holiday dinners. They also make a great treat for a weekend brunch with friends. Cranberry orange cheesecake bars are fun and easy to make. You can use simple ingredients and follow easy steps. Remember to try different flavors and adjust for your diet. Store any leftovers properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy these bars for any occasion, and impress your friends and family. With these tips, I hope you feel ready to bake your own delicious cheesecake bars!$

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in the festive flavor of Cranberry Bliss Orange Cheesecake Bars! This delightful recipe combines creamy cheesecake with zesty orange and fresh cranberries, creating a perfect dessert for any occasion. Follow our easy step-by-step instructions to impress your friends and family with these delicious bars. Ready to make a sweet treat that will wow everyone? Click through to explore the full recipe and get baking today!

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Ingredients

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

½ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons sugar

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zest of 1 orange

¼ cup fresh orange juice

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

¼ cup sugar (for cranberries)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting it hang over the edges for easy removal later.

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until well combined.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup of sugar together until smooth and creamy.

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice, mixing until everything is combined and smooth.

In a separate bowl, toss the chopped cranberries with ¼ cup of sugar until they are well-coated. Add this mixture to the cheesecake batter and gently fold them in.

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled crust and spread evenly.

Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the center is set and only slightly jiggles when you shake it gently.

Remove from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.

Once chilled, lift the cheesecake bars from the baking dish using the parchment paper edges. Cut into squares and serve.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes | Servings: 16 bars

- Presentation Tips: Dust the tops with powdered sugar and garnish with a few whole cranberries and a slice of orange for a festive look before serving them chilled.