Pepita Bars Food

PIñA COLADA CHEESECAKE BARS

Steps:

• Make the crust: Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on two sides; lightly brush with melted butter. Toss the cookie crumbs, sugar and melted butter in a small bowl until well combined. Firmly press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to make a thin layer. Bake until firm and lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Let cool at least 20 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 325˚ F.
• Make the filling: Combine the cream cheese, cream of coconut, sugar and salt in a large bowl and beat with a mixer on medium-high speed, scraping down the bowl a few times, until smooth and fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Reduce the mixer speed to medium; beat in the eggs, sour cream and coconut extract until combined. Spread the filling over the crust.
• Bake until the edges are set but the center is still a little jiggly, 35 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a rack and let cool to room temperature, about 3 hours.
• Meanwhile, make the topping: Combine the dried and crushed pineapple, cream of coconut, lemon juice and water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, then reduce the heat to medium low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the dried pineapple is tender and the liquid has reduced to just a few spoonfuls of syrup, about 20 minutes. Let the topping cool, stirring occasionally, 30 to 45 minutes.
• Spoon the topping over the cheesecake layer and gently spread to cover. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
• Remove the bars from the pan, peel off the foil and cut into pieces.

ALMOND CHERRY PEPITA BARS

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 325 degrees F. Coat an 8-inch square glass baking dish with cooking spray. Line the bottom with a piece of parchment or waxed paper leaving a 4-inch overhang on two opposite sides and spray the paper with cooking spray.
• Put 1 cup of the rice cereal in a resealable plastic bag and crush to a fine powder with the back of the measuring cup. Combine the remaining 1 cup rice cereal, pepitas, almonds and cherries in a large bowl. Heat the rice syrup and almond butter in a small saucepan until warm and bubbling and remove from heat. Stir in the almond extract and salt, and pour into the nut mixture. Fold with a spatula until it is everything is moistened and well combined. Add the crushed rice cereal and continue to fold until evenly incorporated.
• Press the mixture very firmly and evenly into the prepared pan using the overhanging pieces of parchment to prevent sticking. Bake until beginning to brown, about 25 minutes. Cool 15 minutes on a wire rack, then press again to compact the mixture. Chill until firm but not completely set , about 45 minutes. Remove the block by the paper handles and invert onto a cutting board. Gently peel off the paper. Cut the block in half, then cut each half into 6 bars for 12 total. Refrigerate until fully set.
• Store the bars individually wrapped or layered between sheets of parchment or waxed paper in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The bars will soften up and become chewy as they come to room temperature.

MOMMA PAT'S GOODIE BARS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.
• Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. Press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan in an even layer.
• Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, white chocolate chips, pecans and coconut over the crust. Pour the condensed milk evenly over the top, and spread with a spatula to make sure everything is even.
• Bake until the edges are golden brown and the middle is set, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely before slicing.

PEPITA PROTEIN ENERGY BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees
• Crush or break almonds into big chunks.
• Mix all dry ingredients together. Spread out onto a baking tray and toast in the oven for about 5 minutes.
• Chop the cranberries and stir them inches.
• Place the dry ingredients into a large bowl and pour in molasses and honey over.
• Mix through until well combined then spread into a line baking dish, pressing down firmly.
• Bake for about 20-25mins or until golden brown.
• Allow to cool then cut into squares.
• Store in the fridge.