Description
Indulge in these delicious Fruit Cake Cheesecake Bars, a perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and festive dried fruits.
Ingredients
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup mixed dried fruit (such as raisins, cranberries, and chopped apricots)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 1/4 cup sugar. Mix until well combined and crumbly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking pan to form the crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar and continue to beat until well combined.
- Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Stir in the mixed dried fruit, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to fully set.
- Once chilled, cut into bars and serve.
Notes
- For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before baking or drizzling with chocolate sauce before serving.
- You can substitute the mixed dried fruit with your favorite combination, such as tropical dried fruits or candied citrus peel for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg