Austrian Cream Cheese Bars

I certainly have no idea how these delightful bars got their name, I just know they are AWESOME Austrian Bars!

A caramel-y, chocolate-y, nutty cream cheese cookie you will die for. 

This is a recipe from my cookbook...shared with me by a friend at church. 
(Thank you Cindy!)

After my granddaughter had first taken a bite, she looked at me and proclaimed...

"We need this recipe".  =) 

AUSTRIAN CREAM CHEESE BARS 

1-1/2 c. all purpose flour
1 c. packed dark brown sugar
(can add 1 Tb. molasses to light brown sugar) 
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
2/3 c. butter, softened 
1 (8 ozs) pkg. cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. sugar
2 Tb. all purpose flour
2 eggs
1 (12 ozs) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
1/2 - 3/4 c. chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted

Preheat oven to 350*. 

Crust:
In large bowl, combine 1-1/2 c. flour, brown sugar, cinnamon and butter.  Beat at medium speed about 2 minutes or until crumbly and well blended.  Press mixture into ungreased 9" X 13" X 2" baking dish. Bake 12 minutes.  Remove from oven. 
(while crust is baking, begin mixing topping) 

Topping: 
In small bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, 2 Tb. flour and eggs at medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes.  Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips.  Pour over partially baked crust.  Return to oven and bake 15 - 20 minutes or until topping is almost set.  Remove from oven; immediately sprinkle remaining chocolate chips over the top.  Return to oven for 1 minute to melt; gently spread melted chips over top.  Sprinkle with nuts. Lightly press into glaze.  Cool to room temp; refrigerate 1 hour.  Cut into bars.  Store in refrigerator.  

Yield: 15 - 18 servings 

Linked to Whatcha Whipped up Wednesday
Scrumptious Sunday
Weekend Potluck