CHOCOLATE CRAN-RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE BARS

Chocolate Cran-Raspberry Cheesecake Bars image

Cranberries, raspberries and baking cocoa take ordinary cheesecake bars to a new level. The recipe makes a big batch so it's terrific for large gatherings.-Sharon Delaney-Chronis, South Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups sugar, divided
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, thawed
1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries, thawed
1/2 cup cranberry juice
2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 60 wafers)
5 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons baking cocoa
3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
3/4 cup egg substitute
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Additional melted semisweet chocolate and fresh raspberries, optional

Steps:

In a large saucepan, combine 3/4 cup sugar and cornstarch. Stir in berries and cranberry juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Remove from the heat and cool slightly., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the wafer crumbs, butter and cocoa. Press onto the bottom of a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Pour berry mixture over crust., In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream and remaining sugar until smooth. Add egg substitute; beat on low speed just until combined. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla. Pour over top., Bake at 325° for 45-55 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drizzle with additional melted chocolate and garnish with raspberries if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 283 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 46mg cholesterol, Sodium 150mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein.