Fourth of July Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients

FOR THE RED VELVET LAYER

1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
2. 1/2 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
3. 1/2 cup granulated sugar
4. 1 large egg
5. 1/4 cup buttermilk
6. 1 tablespoon red liquid food coloring
7. 1 1/2 teaspoons white vinegar
8. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
9. 1 cup all-purpose flour
10. 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
11. 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
12. 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

FOR THE CHEESECAKE LAYER

1. 16 ounces cream cheese (two 8-ounce bricks), softened
2. 2/3 cup granulated sugar
3. 2 tablespoons cornstarch
4. 3 large eggs
5. 3 tablespoons heavy cream
6. 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
7. 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
8. 1 pint fresh blueberries
9. powdered sugar optional garnish

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Instructions

MAKE THE RED VELVET LAYER:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mist a 9-inch by 9-inch square baking pan with non-stick spray and line with parchment paper.
2. Place the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large, microwave-safe bowl and heat until the butter has completely melted (in my microwave, this takes about 2 minutes on 60% power).
3. Stir the mixture with a whisk until smooth, then whisk in the egg.
4. Add the buttermilk, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla and stir to combine.
5. Whisk in the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt and transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 20 minutes.

MAKE THE CHEESECAKE LAYER:

1. Place the cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl and beat on medium-low speed until smooth.
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl with a silicone spatula after each addition.
3. Stir in the cream, vanilla, and salt, and pour over the partially baked red velvet layer (it’s ok if it’s still hot).
4. Turn the oven temperature down to 250 degrees F, and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
5. Cool completely (overnight is best), and cut into bars.
6. Top with fresh blueberries and dust with powdered sugar.

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