PINEAPPLE & GINGER CHEESECAKE BARS

Pineapple & Ginger Cheesecake Bars image

Provided by Baby Kato

Time 55m

Yield 24 squares, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup sweet butter
2 tablespoons candied orange peel, thinly chopped (may substitute with 1 tbsp freshly grated orange peel)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup candied pineapple, coarsely chopped
1/8 cup candied ginger, finely chopped

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°F.
For crumb mixture - combine in a small bowl, flour, sugar, butter and candied orange peel.
Beat on low speed for 2 minutes until well mixed.
Set aside 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for later use.
Press the crumb mixture into an ungreased 8" square pan.
Bake for 12 - 15 minutes, just until edges are lightly browned.
Set aside to cool, while you make the filling.
For the filling - Combine cheese, sugar, egg and lemon juice.
Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Stir in the candied pineapple and ginger.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over the warm crust.
Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture on top.
Put back in the oven and bake for 15 - 20 minutes longer.
Cool completely, cut into squares and store covered in the fridge.