Chocolate Crumb Cheesecake Bars

CRUST: Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine flour, brown sugar and butter in a large bowl. Beat at low speed until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in pecans or chocolate chips. Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture, and set aside.

Press the remaining crumb mixture onto the bottom of an ungreased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

FILLING: Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and melted chocolate in a mixer bowl for 4 minutes. Next, add in the rest of the filling ingredients. Beat at low speed until well mixed. Spread the filling over the hot, partially baked crust. Sprinkle with the reserved crumb mixture; press lightly into the filling.

Continue baking for 30 to 40 minutes or until the filling is set. Cool completely or refrigerate (I use the latter option for photo purposes) before cutting into bars. Store in the refrigerator.

(Recipe adapted from a Land O’ Lakes recipe.)