Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

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Indulge in the delightful combination of rich red velvet and creamy cheesecake with these irresistible Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars. These decadent bars are the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party, celebrating a special event or simply satisfying your sweet tooth.

To create the luscious red velvet base, start by preheating your oven to 350° and coating an 8x8-inch baking pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, pure cane sugar, vanilla, baking cocoa, salt, red food coloring and apple cider vinegar. Mix everything together using a hand mixer until well blended. Then, add the eggs and continue mixing until the batter is smooth and velvety. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, or if you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour as a substitute. Blend well between each addition of flour to ensure a consistent texture. Remember to set aside 1/4 cup of the batter for later use.

Pour the majority of the red velvet batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. In a separate medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg and pure vanilla to create the luscious cream cheese topping. Blend the ingredients together using a hand mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Gently spread the cream cheese topping over the red velvet batter, ensuring that it covers the entire surface. Now it's time to add a beautiful swirl effect! Take teaspoons of the reserved red velvet batter and drop them onto the cream cheese layer. Using a knife, create zigzag lines through the batter, creating an eye-catching swirl design.

Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and let the bars bake for approximately 30 minutes. The heavenly aroma of freshly baked red velvet and cheesecake will fill your kitchen, heightening your anticipation. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely before slicing. For the best taste and texture, refrigerate the bars until you're ready to serve. The coolness enhances the creaminess of the cheesecake layer and ensures that each bite is pure bliss.

These Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars are a true delight for the senses. The rich red velvet brownie layer offers a perfect balance of sweetness and cocoa flavor, while the creamy cheesecake topping adds a luxurious touch. With each bite, you'll experience the harmonious blend of textures and flavors, leaving you craving for more. These bars are perfect for sharing with loved ones or as a well-deserved treat for yourself. Serve them at parties, gatherings or simply enjoy them as a special dessert to brighten up any day.

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Coat an 8x8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.         
2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine butter, sugar, vanilla, baking cocoa, salt, food coloring and vinegar. Add eggs and mix well to combine. Add flour, ¼ cup at a time, blending well between each addition. Reserve ¼ cup of batter.
3. Pour the remaining batter into prepared baking pan.             
4. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the cream cheese topping ingredients. Blend until smooth. 
5. Spread the cream cheese topping evenly covering the brownie batter. Drop teaspoons of the reserved brownie batter on top of the cream cheese layer. Using a knife, drag zigzag lines through the batter to create a swirl design. 
6. Bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely before slicing. Keep refrigerated.

Recipe Created by Kimberly D.,
ALDI Holiday Cookie Contest Grand Prize & Cookie Bar Recipe Winner