Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Name: Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 2 dozen.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup shortening; 3/4 cup sugar; 1/3 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips; 3/4 cup chopped pecans; FILLING:; 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 large eggs, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 20 min. Bake: 45 min. YIELD: 2 dozen.

I received this recipe from a co-worker who made these heavenly bars for a potluck. Since they combine two favorite flavors—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake—in one bite, they were a hit with our three grown children. —Jane Nolt, Narvon, Pennsylvania

Ingredients

3/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup chopped pecans
FILLING:
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Combine the flour, salt and baking soda; gradually add to the creamed mixture until blended. Fold in the chocolate chips and pecans.
2. Set aside a third of the dough for topping. Press remaining dough into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 8 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Spoon over crust.
4. Drop teaspoonfuls of reserved dough over filling. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack. Cut into bars. Cover and store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 176 calories, 11 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 25 mg cholesterol, 117 mg sodium, 19 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 2 g protein.