Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

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Cherry Vanilla Cheesecake Bars

Here's another very simple recipe to add to our growing collection of cookies, squares and bars. Creamy cheesecake sits atop a cookie base and the bright red cherries add flavor and a festive look to these delicious little squares. The cheesecake portion is quite dense and holds up well to freezing.

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Cookie Base 

In a food processor pulse together until crumbly (or simply cut the butter through the flour and sugar with a pastry knife or two butter knives held between your fingers)

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup cold butter

Save a 1/2 cup of this crumble mixture to sprinkle over the top later. Press the rest of the crumble mixture into the bottom of a greased or parchment lined 9x9 inch square baking pan. 

Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes while preparing the cheesecake filling.

Cheesecake Filling

Beat together until smooth and fluffy

• 1 cup cream cheese (8 oz or 250 grams by weight)
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1 large egg

Fold in 

• 2/3 cup glace cherries

Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly onto the pre-baked cookie base and sprinkle the reserved cookie crumble over the surface; bake at 325 degrees F for 20 minutes. Let cool completely in the pan before cutting and serving. Refrigerate to store.