TROPICAL CHEESECAKE BARS

Tropical Cheesecake Bars image

Provided by Baby Kato

Time 42m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 cup toasted coconut
1/2 tbsp freshly grated blood orange zest
1/2 cup sweet butter
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tablespoon blood orange juice
1/2 cup candied pineapple, coarsely chopped
1/8 cup candied ginger, finely chopped
1/8 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Crumb mixture: In a small bowl, add the flour, sugar, toasted coconut, orange zest and butter.
3. Using a blender, beat on low speed 2 minutes until well mixed.
4. You will want 1/2 cup of the crumb mixture for later use.
5. Gently press the crumb mixture into a dry 8" square pan, to form the crust layer.
6. Bake for 10 minutes, until crust is lightly browned. Set aside to cool until needed.
7. Cream cheese filling: Combine the cream cheese, sugar, egg and orange juice in a small bowl: and with your blender beat until smooth and creamy. Now stir in the candied pineapple, candied ginger and macadamia nuts, mix well.
8. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and sprinkle the reserved crumbs over top. Place the pan back into the oven for 20 - 30 minutes longer.
9. Cool completely, cut into squares and store in the fridge in a covered container.