Black Bottom Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

• Servings: 36
• 1 cup ghirardelli 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips, divided
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• nonstick cooking spray
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cherry preserves
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 5 drops red food coloring, optional
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon shortening

Recipe

Preparation Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 50 mins Ready Time: 4 hrs 30 mins


• in a medium saucepan, heat and stir the 3/4 cup ghirardelli® 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips and the butter over very low heat until melted and smooth. remove from heat; cool.
• preheat oven to 350 degrees f. line a 9x9x2-inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. coat with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
• stir sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture in saucepan. add the two eggs, one at a time, beating with a wooden spoon just until combined. stir in vanilla.
• in a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt. add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring just until combined. spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
• in a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed just until smooth. add cherry preserves, almond extract, and, if desired, food coloring. beat on medium speed just until combined. using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir in the remaining two lightly beaten eggs (do not overmix).
• carefully spoon cherry mixture over the brownie layer; spread evenly to cover the brownie layer.
• bake about 50 minutes or until edges are puffed and set (center will still jiggle when pan is slightly shaken). cool in pan on a wire rack for 1 hour. chill at least 2 hours before cutting. using edges of the foil, lift the uncut brownies out of the pan. cut into bars.*
• in a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1/4 cup ghirardelli 60% cacao bittersweet chocolate baking chips and the shortening. microwave on medium power (50 percent) for 1 minute. remove and stir. if chocolate is not melted, return to microwave and repeat heating step, stirring every 30 seconds to avoid scorching. drizzle bars with melted chocolate mixture.
• enjoy immediately, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.