Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Bars

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving about 1 inch of paper hanging over sides.

In a food processor, add oats, flour, cocoa, baking powder, brown sugar, butter and walnuts. Pulse for a couple of minutes until mixture comes together in pea size crumbs.

Divide mixture in two. Press half of chocolate mixture in bottom of prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15-20 minutes before making the cheesecake filling. Crumble second half on a baking sheet and place in freezer until needed.

In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese and granulated sugar. With paddle attachment on, beat on low speed until smooth.

Add almond extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Spoon cheese mixture over chocolate crust evenly. Scatter cherries and chocolate chips on top of cheese layer. Remove reserved chocolate crumbs from freezer and sprinkle evenly over dessert.

Bake in preheated oven for 27-29 minutes.

Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Lift from pan with parchment paper and cut into bars.