Chocolate Soufflé Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

Soufflé:

• 8 ounces dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
• 1 large egg, separated
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Prepare Crust:

Mix flour and sugar in a bowl. Stir in melted butter until combined. Press into the bottom of an 8-inch square baking dish.

Prepare Filling:

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, followed by granulated sugar, sour cream, vanilla extract, and cocoa powder. Beat until well combined. Melted butter is folded in last.

Pour Filling over Crust.

Tilt the baking dish to spread the filling evenly.

Prepare Soufflé:

Melt chocolate chips in double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Whisk egg yolk with sugar and vanilla extract, then temper by slowly pouring melted chocolate into egg mixture while whisking constantly. Set aside.

Beat Egg Whites:

Beat egg whites until stiff peaks form. Fold 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture using a spatula or rubber spatula. Gently fold in remaining egg whites.

Pour Soufflé over Filling.

Tilt baking dish to spread soufflé evenly.

Bake and Serve:

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until edges are set and center is just slightly jiggly. Remove from oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars and serving.

Enjoy your decadent Chocolate Soufflé Cheesecake Bars!