Decadent Red Velvet Beet Cheesecake Bars
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Decadent Red Velvet Beet Cheesecake Bars, made with a delightful blend of pureed beets and creamy cheesecake frosting. This unique dessert combines earthy beetroot with classic chocolate and velvety cream cheese, offering a stunning red hue and a moist, airy texture. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, these bars are sure to impress both friends and family. Serve chilled for the best flavor and enjoy a slice of healthy decadence.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking pan)
Unsweetened chocolate
2 ounces (roughly chopped)
All-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups
Baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon
Granulated sugar
1 1/2 cups
Large eggs
3
Vegetable oil
1 cup
Pureed beets
1 1/2 cups (from about 12 ounces cooked beets)
Vanilla extract
2 teaspoons
Cream cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (softened)
Unsalted butter
1 cup (softened)
Confectioners' sugar
5 cups
Vanilla
1 1/2 teaspoons
Kosher salt
a pinch
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2
In a microwave-safe bowl, add the roughly chopped unsweetened chocolate. Melt it in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth (approximately 3 minutes). Allow it to cool slightly.
3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Set aside.
4
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil. Beat on medium speed until well blended for about 2 minutes. Mix in the pureed beets, cooled melted chocolate, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually incorporate the dry flour mixture, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack.
7
While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In the stand mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
8
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar at low speed, mixing until smooth and well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of kosher salt, mixing until combined.
9
Once the cake is completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting on top using a spatula to create swirls and peaks. Cut into squares and serve chilled to enhance the flavors. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Red Velvet Beet Cheesecake Bars?
These are rich dessert bars featuring a moist chocolate base colored naturally with pureed beets and topped with a creamy cheesecake frosting.
What gives these red velvet bars their unique color?
The vibrant red hue comes from 1.5 cups of pureed beets instead of traditional food coloring.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
You will need a 13 x 9 inch baking pan, lightly greased with nonstick cooking spray.
How do I melt the chocolate for the batter?
Melt 2 ounces of roughly chopped unsweetened chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
What dry ingredients are needed for the base?
The dry ingredients include 1 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
How long should I beat the sugar, eggs, and oil?
Beat the granulated sugar, eggs, and vegetable oil on medium speed for about 2 minutes until well blended.
How much beet puree is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of pureed beets, which is roughly 12 ounces of cooked beets.
When should I add the beet puree and chocolate?
Mix in the pureed beets, cooled melted chocolate, and vanilla extract after the sugar, eggs, and oil are blended.
What is the best way to incorporate the flour?
Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually add the dry flour mixture, scraping the sides of the bowl as you go.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars in the preheated oven for 25 to 28 minutes.
How can I tell if the bars are fully cooked?
The bars are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Do I need to cool the cake before frosting it?
Yes, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the cream cheese frosting.
What are the ingredients for the cheesecake frosting?
The frosting consists of softened cream cheese, unsalted butter, confectioners' sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
How do I make the frosting fluffy?
Beat the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy.
How much confectioners' sugar is used in the frosting?
The recipe uses 5 cups of confectioners' sugar.
What kind of butter should I use for the frosting?
Use 1 cup of softened unsalted butter for the best results.
How should I apply the frosting?
Spread the frosting over the cooled cake using a spatula to create decorative swirls and peaks.
Should these bars be served warm or cold?
These bars should be served chilled to enhance their flavors and texture.
How many eggs does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 3 large eggs.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of vegetable oil.
What is the texture of these beet cheesecake bars?
They have a moist and airy texture combined with a velvety cream cheese topping.
Is there vanilla in the cake base?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract are mixed into the cake batter.
Does the frosting contain salt?
Yes, a pinch of kosher salt is stirred into the frosting to balance the sweetness.
How much cream cheese is required?
You will need two 8-ounce packages of softened cream cheese.
Can I use salted butter for the frosting?
The recipe specifies unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the final product.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 13x9 inch baking pan.
How should I cut the dessert?
Once frosted and chilled, cut the dessert into squares for serving.
Are these bars considered vegetable-based?
Yes, they are categorized as a vegetable-based dessert due to the inclusion of pureed beets.
What is the preparation for the unsweetened chocolate?
The 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate should be roughly chopped before being melted.