Other than slightly overcooking the sides of these dessert bars, I think I may have knocked it out of the park once again!
They are sweet and they are a little savory, they are aromatic, and full of pop! They are magical: Espresso Lavender Honey BellaVitano Cheesecake Bars.
They are the best!
I’m actually not sure how I landed on this flavor amalgamation. BellaVitano is one of my favorite varieties of cheese, and I particularly adore the Espresso BellaVitano. I love lavender…and love honey…
I guess that is just how it happened!
By the way, The Wine Yogi (a great friend of mine – both a chef and a sommelier AND now a yoga instructor) introduced me to this cheese. She knows her stuff!
Espresso Lavender Honey BellaVitano Cheesecake Bars
Crust:
1 sleeve honey graham crackers
8 Tbs. salted butter, melted
Filling:
2 Tb. flour
1 cup honey
8 oz. Espresso BellaVitano cheese, shredded
16oz. whole milk ricotta
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 Tbs. dried lavender
2 large eggs
additional lavender for garnish
Preheat oven to 375. Line an 8″ square pan with parchment and set aside.
In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers into a coarse crumb. Pour in melted butter. Pulse one or two more times until everything is incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and press it down firmly and evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Add the flour, honey, salt, BellaVitano to the same food processor bowl and pulse it a few times to combine everything and break up the cheese. Add the ricotta, vanilla, and lavender, and process it until smooth. Next, with the processor running, add the eggs one at a time, processing a bit after each one.
Pour the mixture a top the refrigerated crust and bake for 30 minutes, until the outer edges are set but the center is still a little wobbly. Turn the oven off, crack the oven door, and allow the cheesecake to rest in the half open oven for about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and let completely at room temperature. Cover and chill for an hour or two, or overnight.
Cut into bars. drizzle with honey and sprinkle with lavender and enjoy!
