CHOCOLATE CHEESE LAYERED BARS

Chocolate Cheese Layered Bars image

These rich and chocolaty bars are a hit at church and family gatherings. Folks love the chocolate and cream cheese layers.-Sharon Schaa, Murray, Iowa

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 42m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 25

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup chopped pecans
CHEESE LAYER:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 cups miniature marshmallows
TOPPING:
1/4 cup butter
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
2 tablespoons milk
3 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Beat in chocolate and vanilla until well blended. Combine flour and baking powder; stir into chocolate mixture. Fold in pecans. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. , In another large bowl, combine cream cheese and butter. Beat in the sugar, egg, flour and vanilla until well combined. Fold in pecans. Spread over the chocolate layer; sprinkle with chips. , Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until edges pull away from sides of pan. Sprinkle with marshmallow; bake 2 minutes longer or until puffed. Spread evenly over cream cheese layer. Cool on a wire rack., In a large saucepan, combine first four topping ingredients. Cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Spread over cooled bars. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 330 calories, Fat 18g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 135mg sodium, Carbohydrate 43g carbohydrate (34g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.