Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars Irresistible Dessert Treat

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 cup powdered sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the edges to hang over for easy removal.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and 1 large egg. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until the mixture is homogenous.
4. Gradually add the flour to the mixture and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix!
5. Pour half of the red velvet batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 10-12 minutes until just set.
6. Meanwhile, prepare the cheesecake layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, another egg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix until creamy and well combined.
7. Once the first layer has baked, remove it from the oven and pour the cheesecake mixture over the red velvet layer. Spread it evenly.
8. Spoon the remaining red velvet batter on top of the cheesecake layer in dollops. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl the red velvet batter into the cheesecake for a marbled effect.
9. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the edges are slightly golden.
10. Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares.