Chocolate Cheese Layer Bars

 
Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Cheese Layer:
  • 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
  • 3 cups miniature marshmallows
Topping:
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 3 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
  • In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs. Beat in chocolate and vanilla until well blended. Combine flour and baking powder; stir into chocolate mixture. Fold in pecans. Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan.
  • In another large bowl, combine cream cheese and butter. Beat in the sugar, egg, flour and vanilla until well combined. Fold in pecans. Spread over the chocolate layer; sprinkle with chips.
  • Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until edges pull away from sides of pan. Sprinkle with marshmallow; bake 2 minutes longer or until puffed. Spread evenly over cream cheese layer. Cool on a wire rack.
  • In a large saucepan, combine first four topping ingredients. Cook and stir over low heat until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until smooth. Spread over cooled bars. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 2 dozen.