Katie Bars: A Decadent Fudgey Delight
Imagine a dessert that blends rich, creamy, and tangy flavors into one irresistible bar. Enter Katie Bars—a treat named after my baby sister who just can’t get enough of these sweet, chewy delights. With their combination of tangy raspberry preserves, velvety cream cheese, and luscious white chocolate, these bars are a dessert dream come true. Perfect for large gatherings or just a family treat, they’re easy to whip up in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, divided (for the base and topping)
- 1 large egg
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the perfect temperature to bake your bars to perfection. -
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Prepare the Base:
In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the unsalted butter with the egg until smooth. Gradually incorporate flour and sugar (the quantities are adjusted to taste) until the mixture is crumbly. Press this crumbly base mixture evenly into an 11×15-inch pan to form a crust. -
Bake the Crust:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes. You’re aiming for a crust that appears dry but still soft. The edges should start to turn a golden brown. -
Add the Raspberry Layer:
As soon as the crust comes out of the oven, spread the raspberry preserves evenly over the warm crust. The warmth of the crust will help the preserves spread more easily. -
Prepare the White Chocolate Cream Cheese Layer:
Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave. Stir frequently to ensure it melts evenly and doesn’t burn. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually fold in the melted white chocolate until well combined. Spread this creamy mixture over the raspberry layer. -
Finish with a Chocolate Drizzle:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Drizzle this chocolate mixture over the top of the cream cheese layer. -
Cool and Slice:
Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan. This cooling period is crucial as it helps the layers set properly. Once cooled, cut into 20 bars.
Nutritional Information (per bar)
- Calories: 349
- Total Fat: 19.2g
- Saturated Fat: 10.1g
- Cholesterol: 36.6mg
- Sodium: 304.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 43.2g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugar: 30.2g
- Protein: 4g
Enjoy!
These Katie Bars are a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors, perfect for any occasion where a rich dessert is called for. Whether it’s a party, a family gathering, or just a treat for yourself, these bars are sure to be a hit. Enjoy every fudgy, creamy bite! 🍰🎉
