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Close-up of Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars on a wooden board, showing the crust, cheesecake filling, and cranberry topping.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars

These bars combine the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of orange in a creamy cheesecake base. A buttery shortbread crust provides a perfect foundation.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Crust
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes
For the Filling
  • 2 packages cream cheese softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 0.5 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch baking pan
  • Food processor
  • Electric mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides.
  2. To make the crust, combine flour and sugar in a food processor. Pulse until combined. Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan.
  4. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
  5. For the filling, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  6. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest.
  7. Pour the cream cheese filling over the slightly cooled crust.
  8. Scatter the cranberries evenly over the top of the filling.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
  10. Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.

Notes

For best results, ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting. You can also add a drizzle of orange glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving.

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