Espresso Cheesecake Bars

 

1 1/2

cups chocolate cookie crumbs

1

teaspoon instant espresso coffee powder

1/4

cup butter, melted

1

(8-oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened

1/4

cup sugar

1/2

teaspoon vanilla

1

egg

• 1 Heat oven to 350°F. In medium bowl, combine cookie crumbs, 1/2 teaspoon of the espresso coffee powder and melted butter; mix well. Reserve 1/4 cup mixture for topping. Press remaining mixture in bottom of ungreased 8-inch square pan.
• 2 Beat cream cheese in medium bowl at medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, remaining 1/2 teaspoon espresso coffee powder, vanilla and egg; blend well. Pour over crust. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture.
• 3 Bake at 350°F. for 15 to 20 minutes or just until center is set. Cool 30 minutes or until completely cooled. Cover loosely; refrigerate 3 to 4 hours or until firm. With hot, wet knife, cut into bars. Store in refrigerator.