Nutty Caramel Cheesecake Squares

These desserts are also of the L-7 variety which may be somewhat of a theme for our kitchen. But these squares like the others are sure to be a sharp side to any meal.

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup finely chopped walnuts
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 11 tbsp butter or margarine

Filling

• 2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Combine 2 cups flour, 1 cup finely chopped walnuts, 2/3 cup packed brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl.
3. Cut in 11 tbsp butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Reserve half the crumb mixture. Press the remaining half evenly into a greased 13x9 pan.
5. Bake 10–15 minutes until lightly browned.
6. Beat 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 tsp vanilla until smooth. Pour over the baked crust and sprinkle reserved crumbs on top.
7. Bake 20–25 minutes until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Drizzle with warm caramel while still hot.
8. Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate before cutting.

Tips

Let these set up in the fridge for at least a couple hours before cutting. The caramel drizzle is best applied while the squares are still warm from the oven.