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Amazing 20 Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars with Glaze

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars with Glaze
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These Cranberry Orange Cheesecake Bars offer a rich, indulgent dessert experience. You get the creamy texture of cheesecake perfectly balanced with bright citrus and tart cranberry notes, all sitting on a buttery crust and topped with a sweet glaze. It is a delightful treat that honors tradition while tasting fresh.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Crust Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • Glaze Ingredients:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
  4. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. You want no lumps remaining.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
  8. Pour the cheesecake filling over the warm, pre-baked crust.
  9. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center has a slight jiggle.
  10. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before glazing.
  11. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Add more juice, a drop at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
  12. Drizzle or spread the glaze evenly over the chilled cheesecake bars. Cut into squares before serving.

Notes

  • For the best cheesecake texture, make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature.
  • Chilling thoroughly is key; this allows the bars to set properly for clean cuts.
  • You can substitute fresh or frozen (thawed) cranberries if you prefer a tarter flavor in the filling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonsprout.com/cranberry-orange-cheesecake-bars-glaze/