Description
Enchanted Magic Cookie Bars are a decadent dessert featuring a buttery shortbread crust, a smooth vanilla custard filling, and a luscious dark chocolate glaze. This treat combines creamy, crunchy, and chocolaty textures to delight your taste buds, perfect for any occasion or holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Vanilla Custard Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Chocolate Glaze
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (optional, for shine)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Drizzle melted butter over the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Press this dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan, creating a uniform layer about ¼-inch thick.
- Blind-bake the crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color. Remove from oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes to prepare for the filling.
- Make the vanilla custard filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream until silky and lump-free.
- Assemble and bake with custard: Pour the vanilla custard over the pre-baked crust, spreading it evenly to the edges. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the custard is set around the edges but slightly wobbly in the center.
- Cool and chill: Let the bars cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until the custard is firm enough to cut cleanly.
- Prepare chocolate glaze and finish: While the bars chill, melt dark chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth. Stir in optional corn syrup for a glossy finish. Drizzle the glaze over the chilled bars, allow to set at room temperature, then cut into 12 generous squares.
Notes
- For a shinier chocolate topping, add the optional tablespoon of light corn syrup.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your custard filling.
- Do not overbake the custard to keep the center slightly wobbly for perfect texture.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao) for a richer flavor in the glaze.
- These bars are best served chilled and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: magic cookie bars, vanilla custard bars, chocolate glaze dessert, easy baked dessert, cream cheese bars
