pat's Recipe

Cheesecake Squares

Category: Cheesecake

1/3 cup margarine

1/3 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup flour

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 egg

3/4 cup colored chocolate melts, chopped (see note)

Beat margarine and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add flour and walnuts; mix well. Reserve 1/2 cup crumb mixture; press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom of 8-inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

Combine cream cheese, sugar and vanilla, mixing at medium speed with electric mixer until well blended. Add egg; mix well.

Layer 1/2 cup chocolate over crust; top with cream cheese mixture. Combine remaining chocolate and reserved crumb mixture; mix well. Sprinkle crumb mixture over cream cheese filling. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool and refrigerate until chilled.

Note: Chocolate melts are wafers or discs also known as confectionery coating. They are available at craft stores and baking supply stores.

Makes 9 to 16 squares.