Raspberry Basil Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup (50g) confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
Filling:
- 16 ounces (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (120g) sour cream
- 2 cups (220g) fresh raspberries
- 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh basil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, confectioners' sugar, and salt. Add the softened butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press into the bottom of an 8-inch (20cm) square baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the filling: In a blender or food processor, combine cream cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and sour cream. Blend until smooth.
- Stir in fresh raspberries and chopped basil.
- Pour the filling mixture over the baked crust.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing into bars and serving.
Note: The above recipe combines elements of Apple Baked Crumble (crust) and Cheesecake (filling), with the addition of fresh raspberries and basil for flavor.