Cranberry-Orange Cheesecake Bars

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2 . Stage

Combine butter and brown sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Stir in flour and walnuts until crumbly. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish.

3 . Stage

Bake in the preheated oven until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Remove and allow to cool.

4 . Stage

Meanwhile, combine cream cheese and white sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Add cranberries, orange juice, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract, mix until well combined. Spread cream cheese filling onto cooled crust.

5 . Stage

Bake until surface of cheesecake is firm except for a small spot in the center that will jiggle when the pan is gently shaken, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack, and allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature, about 1 hour. Refrigerate until completely chilled, 4 hours to overnight.

6 . Stage

Cut into 12 bars and serve.