Maple Cheesecake Bars

These flavorful bars are easy to prepare and a real treat. Use grade B maple syrup for the most maple flavor, or substitute maple flavoring for the vanilla.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Preparation:

Heat oven to 350°.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and 1/3 cup of brown sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Reserve 3/4 cup of the crumb mixture for topping. Press remainder over bottom of ungreased 8-inch square baking pan. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly browned.

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add egg, maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and vanilla; beat well. Spread batter over the partially baked crust. Combine the chopped walnuts with reserved crumb mixture; sprinkle over batter. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.

 Recipe Source: http://southernfood.about.com/od/browniesbars/r/r81130c.htm