italian cheese bars

(2 RATINGS)
57 Pinches
Greensburg, LA
Updated on Dec 10, 2011

i usually cook these for Christmas. My family loves them. The moist bars have the light texture and classic flavor of traditional Italian cheesecake.

prep time 20 Min
cook time 25 Min
method ---
yield 20 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine
  • 1--15oz ounce container of fat free ricotta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 - egg
  • 2 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds or chopped hazelnuts
  • 1/3 cup chopped candied cherries
  • 1/3 cup golden rasins

How To Make italian cheese bars

  • Step 1
    Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Melt butter or margarine in a 9x9x2 inch baking pan in the oven { about 6 minutes}. Remove from oven. Stir crushed crakers into melted butter or margarine; press mixture firmly and evenly onto bottom of pan using a wooden spoon. Set aside.
  • Step 2
    Combine the ricotta cheese, egg, sugar, flour, orange peel, and almond extract in a blender container or food processor bowl; blend or process until smooth.Carefully spread cheese mixture over crumb mixture.
  • Step 3
    Combine the almondsor hazelnuts, cherries, and rasins; sprinkle over the cheese layer. Bake for 25 to 30 mins. or until the edges are puffed and golden. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 1 hour; cover and chill for 2 hours. Cut into bars. Makes 20.
  • Step 4
    Make ahead tip: Store cooled bars in tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Category: Cakes

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