Black-and-White Cheesecake Bars

[quicklook-recipe prep_time=”15 min” cook_time=”30 min” serves=”” details=”” ]

SECRET INGREDIENT: sweetened condensed milk

Cheesecake bars with two layers can be time-consuming to make. But thanks to the convenience of sweetened condensed milk, these bars take only 15 minutes of kitchen time.

[ingredients-list title=”Ingredients” serving_size=”Makes 4 dozen”]
[ingredients-left]

• 2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter or margarine
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, divided
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

[/ingredients-left]

[/ingredients-list]

[step-list-wrapper title=”How to make it” time=”45 minutes”]

[step-item number=”1″ image_url=”” title=”” ]In a double-boiler or microwave, melt the chocolate chips and butter or margarine, stirring occasionally.[/step-item]

[step-item number=”2″ image_url=”” title=”” ]Set aside 1/4 cup of the cracker crumbs. Stir the remaining cracker crumbs into the chocolate mixture.[/step-item]

[step-item number=”3″ image_url=”” title=”” ]Press the chocolate mixture into an ungreased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.[/step-item]

[step-item number=”4″ image_url=”” title=”” ]Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually beat in the milk, egg, and vanilla. Pour over the crust and sprinkle with the reserved crumbs.[/step-item]

[step-item number=”5″ image_url=”” title=”” ]Bake until lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes. Cool.[/step-item]

[step-item number=”6″ image_url=”” title=”” ]Refrigerate until completely chilled, about 3 hours. Cut into bars and store in the refrigerator.[/step-item][/step-list-wrapper]

[cooking_tip]

For a lower-calorie dessert, use reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel cheese) and fat-free sweetened condensed milk.

[/cooking_tip]

Originally Published in Reader's Digest