COCOA CREAM CHEESE STREUSEL BARS

 

by Teresa Ambra  ( cantstayoutofthekitchen.com )

You'll be captivated by every bite of these scrumptious Cream Cheese Streusel Bars. They feature a chocolate crust along with a chocolate streusel topping. The middle layer includes Cream Cheese and Sweetened Condensed Milk. These rich, decadent, heavenly brownies will rock your world! Excellent for tailgating parties, potlucks and Backyard Barbecues. Everyone will want more than one!

Servings15  

Ingredients

• 1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (bleached flour toughens baked goods)
• 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 cup baking cocoa
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1 cup salted butter cold (2 sticks)
• 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened
• 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 large egg lightly beaten
• 2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Instructions

 1.         In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa and salt.

2.         Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until crumbly and coarse crumbs form.

3.          Reserve one cup of crumb mixture for topping.

4.         Press remaining crumbs very firmly into a greased 8×12” glass baking dish.

5.         Bake at 325º for 12-15 minutes, or until mixture is set.

6.         Meanwhile, in a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, condensed milk, egg and vanilla for 2-3 minutes until cream cheese is completely smooth, well-blended and no lumps remain.

7.         Pour over top of hot crust.

8.         Bake for 15 minutes.

9.         Remove dish from oven and top with the cup of reserved crumb mixture.

10. Return dish to oven and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, or until filling is set.

11. Cool dish on wire rack.

12. Store in refrigerator. 

NOTE: This recipe has three layers – each of which is baked separately, so be sure to follow the recipe closely!