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Halloween Swirled Cheesecake Bars are the perfect dessert for a spooky and festive celebration. With a delicious graham cracker crust and a creamy cheesecake filling, these bars are made even more special with a swirl of vibrant orange and black colors.
INGREDIENTS- Graham cracker crumbs: 1 ½ cups, mixed with sugar and melted butter to create a firm crust.
- Granulated sugar: ¼ cup for the crust, and 1 cup for the cheesecake filling.
- Melted butter: ⅓ cup, to bind the graham cracker crust.
- Cream cheese: 16 oz, softened, forming the creamy base of the cheesecake.
- Eggs: 2 large, beaten into the cheesecake mixture for structure.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the flavor of the cheesecake.
- Sour cream: 1 cup, adding a tangy richness to the filling.
- Heavy cream: ½ cup, for extra creaminess in the cheesecake.
- Orange food coloring: ½ cup, to create the festive swirl.
- Black food coloring: ¼ cup, for a contrasting swirl effect.
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
- Step 4:
- Divide the cheesecake batter into two bowls. Tint one bowl with orange food coloring and the other with black food coloring.
- Step 5:
- Spoon dollops of both colored batters onto the crust in the pan. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the colors together for a marbled effect.
- Step 6:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set. Let the cheesecake cool completely in the pan.
- Step 7:
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before cutting into bars.
- Step 8:
- Serve and enjoy your Halloween-themed cheesecake bars!
- Serve these cheesecake bars chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors in your cheesecake swirl.
- If you prefer a different flavor, try adding a few drops of almond or lemon extract to the cheesecake batter.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Martha Stewart recommends using a water bath while baking the cheesecake to prevent cracks.
- Chef Nigella Lawson suggests letting the cheesecake sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to enhance its creaminess.
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