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To make the delightful cranberry orange cheesecake bars, you will need the following: - 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs - ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 tablespoons sugar - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Zest of 1 large orange - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries - ½ cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons orange juice - Pinch of salt These ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. You can enhance the flavor with a few optional ingredients: - A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm spice. - A few drops of almond extract can deepen the flavor. - Adding a touch of nutmeg can also work wonders. Feel free to experiment with your favorite flavors. If you need substitutes, here are some great options: - Use gluten-free graham crackers for a gluten-free crust. - Swap cream cheese with a plant-based alternative for a vegan version. - Instead of granulated sugar, try coconut sugar for a different taste. - If you don't have fresh cranberries, dried cranberries can work, but they will change the texture. These substitutions can help fit special diets without losing taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Leave some paper overhanging for easy removal. 2. Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix together 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs, ¾ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the crumbs absorb the butter. Press this mix firmly into the bottom of the dish. 3. Bake Crust: Place the crust in the oven for 10 minutes. Once done, let it cool slightly. 4. Create the Filling: In a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese with ½ cup of granulated sugar until smooth. Add in 2 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and the zest of 1 large orange. 1. Add Cranberries: In another bowl, toss 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of orange juice. This prevents them from sinking. Carefully fold the cranberries into the cream cheese mix. 2. Assemble: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Spread evenly. Drop spoonfuls of ½ cup of cranberry sauce on top. Use a knife to swirl it for a pretty marbled look. 3. Bake: Place the pan back in the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. The center should look set but still jiggle slightly. 4. Cool: After baking, let the bars cool at room temperature for 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps the cheesecake set properly. 5. Slice and Serve: Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper. Cut them into squares. These bars are great served cold or at room temperature. - Optimal Baking Times: Bake the bars at 325°F. Check them after 30 minutes. They should jiggle slightly in the center. - Common Pitfalls: Avoid overbeating the cream cheese. This can make the cheesecake too airy. Also, don’t skip cooling the crust; it helps the layers stick together. - Tools and Equipment: Use a 9x13 inch baking dish for the right size. A handheld mixer works best for the filling. Have a sharp knife ready for slicing. - Best Ways to Slice: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between slices. This keeps the edges neat. - Pairing Ideas: Enjoy these bars with hot tea or coffee. A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a nice touch too. Fresh orange slices or mint leaves make great garnishes. - Storage and Reheating: Store the bars in the fridge for up to five days. If you have leftovers, cover them tightly. To enjoy later, serve them cold or let them sit at room temp for about 30 minutes. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for a smooth filling. This helps prevent lumps and creates a creamy texture. Don’t Overmix: Once you add the eggs to the cream cheese mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to cracks in the cheesecake bars. Chill Completely: Allow the cheesecake bars to cool at room temperature before refrigerating. Chilling helps the flavors meld and ensures a firmer texture when sliced. Fresh Cranberries for Tartness: If using fresh cranberries, be prepared for a tart punch. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can substitute dried cranberries or increase the sugar slightly in the filling. {{image_2}} You can add a fun twist to your cranberry orange cheesecake bars with spices. Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the filling. These spices enhance the warm flavors and make each bite delightful. You may also swap fruits in the recipe. Consider using raspberries or blueberries instead of cranberries. These fruits add a different tartness and color to your bars. You could even mix fruits for a fun flavor burst. If you want a vegan option, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. Use flax eggs in place of regular eggs. This keeps the bars creamy and ensures everyone can enjoy them. For a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. You can present these bars in unique ways. Serve them in individual cups for a fun touch. Just layer the crust, filling, and sauce in small cups. This makes them easy to grab at parties. You can also add chocolate or nuts to the recipe. Drizzle melted chocolate over the top after baking. Chopped nuts can add a nice crunch. Try pecans or walnuts for extra flavor. For seasonal variations, change the topping based on the holiday. In winter, sprinkle with crushed peppermint. During fall, add a layer of spiced apple compote. This keeps your cranberry orange cheesecake bars fresh and exciting for any celebration. You can store your cranberry orange cheesecake bars in the fridge. They stay fresh for about five days. To keep them from drying out, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This helps retain their creamy texture and bright flavor. If you want to keep the bars longer, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw your bars, take them out and place them in the fridge overnight. For a quick serve, you can let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They taste just as good as when you first made them! How do I know when the cheesecake bars are done baking? You will know the bars are done when the edges look set. The center should still jiggle a bit. This slight jiggle means they will firm up as they cool. Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just toss them with cornstarch and orange juice, just like fresh ones. This helps keep them from sinking. What’s the best way to cut the bars for clean slices? To cut clean slices, use a sharp knife. Dip it in warm water and wipe it dry. This helps the knife glide through the bars smoothly. How to prevent the cheesecake from cracking? To prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just until combined. Also, bake at a lower temperature and let the bars cool slowly in the oven. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, these bars are great to make ahead. You can prepare them a day or two before serving. Just keep them stored in the fridge. What should I serve with cranberry orange cheesecake bars? These bars pair well with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. A hot cup of tea or coffee is also a great choice. This blog post covered every step to make delicious cranberry orange cheesecake bars. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful baking tips. We explored variations and serving ideas to make your bars unique. Plus, I shared storage info to keep them fresh. Baking these bars can be fun and rewarding. With practice, you'll impress your friends and family with your skills. Enjoy this tasty treat, and don't be afraid to tweak it your way!

Cranberry Zest Cheesecake Bars

Delicious cheesecake bars with a cranberry and orange twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.75 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large orange zest
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 0.5 cups cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Mix until the crumbs are fully embedded with the butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even layer.
  • Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and allow it to cool slightly while preparing the filling.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with ½ cup granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the vanilla extract and orange zest, mixing just until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with cornstarch and orange juice to coat them evenly. This will help keep them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Gently fold the cranberries into the cream cheese mixture.
  • Pour the cream cheese and cranberry mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of cranberry sauce over the top and swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.
  • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes or until the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
  • Once done, let the bars cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow them to set properly.
  • Once chilled, lift the cheesecake out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Dust the top with powdered sugar before serving and garnish with fresh cranberry and a slice of orange for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Keyword bars, cheesecake, cranberry, orange