Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Bars - A Decadent Dessert Delight
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Bars, a dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings. This delectable treat is a perfect blend of tangy orange and luscious chocolate, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients (serves 8-10):

- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 tbsp orange zest

Cooking Tips:

- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Do not overmix the batter as it can cause the cheesecake to crack.
- Allow the cheesecake bars to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar. Mix well and press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. In a separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Add sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted. Add melted chocolate to the cheesecake batter and mix well.
6. Pour the cheesecake batter over the graham cracker crust.
7. In a small bowl, mix orange marmalade and orange zest. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the cheesecake batter and swirl with a knife.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
9. Let the cheesecake bars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
10. Slice into bars and serve chilled.
Appearance and Taste:
Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Bars are a beautiful combination of chocolate and orange swirls on a creamy cheesecake base. The crust is buttery and crunchy, while the cheesecake filling is smooth and velvety. The orange marmalade adds a tangy and zesty flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the chocolate and cream cheese. These bars are a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making them a must-try dessert for any occasion.
Type: Dessert Bars
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Chocolate Chips, Orange Marmalade