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Amazing Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars
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Bake these nostalgic Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars for a dessert everyone will love. You get a buttery crust, a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, and plenty of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies throughout.

Ingredients

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  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup sugar. Pour in the melted butter and mix until fully combined.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add 1 cup sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Beat until well combined.
  5. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated after each addition. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in 1 cup of the crushed cookies into the cheesecake batter.
  7. Pour the batter over the baked crust. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup crushed cookies over the top.
  8. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle.
  9. Turn off the oven, crack the door open slightly, and let the bars cool in the oven for 30 minutes. This prevents cracking.
  10. Remove from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For the best texture, make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature.
  • You can use any brand of chocolate sandwich cookies you prefer.
  • Chilling overnight allows the cheesecake to become perfectly firm for clean slices.

Nutrition

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